Tag: Bears draft prospects

4 don’ts for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things Bears GM Ryan Pace should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for Pace and co. ahead of this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DON’T: Trade up

Tim Boyle/Chicago Sun-Times via AP

Pace has a reputation for seeing his guy and doing whatever it takes to get him. For better or for worse. Although, typically, for worse. For every Khalil Mack there’s a Mitchell Trubisky. For every Eddie Jackson, there’s a Leonard Floyd.

Pace has traded up each of the last four drafts, including twice in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he traded up to select Floyd and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. In 2017, Pace traded up to grab Trubisky and Jackson. Then in 2018, he traded up to draft receiver Anthony Miller, and most recently in 2019, to select running back David Montgomery. Pace isn’t shy about trading up to select guys high on his board, but there’s a belief that changes this year.

Considering the Bears are already thin with the draft capital they currently have — they have just two selections in the first four founds — Chicago can’t afford to be relinquishing picks. Now, trading down on the other hand, that would serve to benefit the Bears and perhaps lock up a third or fourth-round selection.

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Bears had pre-draft meeting with LA Tech CB Amik Robertson

The Bears have shown interest in Louisiana Tech CB Amik Robertson, an instinctive playmaker with a nose for the football.

Heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have several roster needs on offense and defense — and not a whole lot of draft capital to work with.

The Bears have just two picks in the first four rounds — both in the second round — so general manager Ryan Pace is going to need to make them count, especially with so many roster needs.

Cornerback is one of those needs, and Chicago has shown plenty of interest in cornerbacks in the pre-draft process. The Bears held a virtual pre-draft meeting with Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

The Bears are looking for a starting right cornerback to fill the shoes of the departed Prince Amukamara opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. While the Bears have some players on their roster looking to compete for that starting cornerback job, they should certainly jump at the chance to draft a young cornerback.

Perhaps that guy is Robertson, who, despite his 5-foot-8 stature, possesses rare instincts and ball skills that make him an intriguing prospect to watch. Although, Robertson projects to be a nickel corner at the NFL level, a role already filled by Buster Skrine. But the Bears could find Skrine’s eventual replacement in Robertson.

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Robertson in his evaluation:

Smallish, outside corner with tremendous intensity, swagger and toughness. Needs to handle the athletic challenges as a slot corner in the NFL. He gives rough rides to receivers trying to get away from his press before following it with route recognition and footwork to continue hounding his man. Physicality overtakes technique at times and he could struggle to mirror the release of savvy NFL slot receivers. The instincts and ball skills are rare and should translate to this level of competition in zone and man as long as he can shadow routes. Teams may worry about his size, but run support will not be a concern and Robertson could become a starting nickel as a Day 3 selection.

In 38 games for the Bulldogs — all starts — he tallied 23 tackles for loss, 48 passes defensed and 14 interceptions. He’s an instinctive playmaker with a nose for the football, and it’s no surprise that Chicago has shown interest.

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Bears have met with Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans

The Bears are searching for a backup for RB David Montgomery, and they’ve done their homework by meeting with App State’s Darrynton Evans.

There are no shortage of needs for the Chicago Bears, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. While positions like offensive line, tight end and quarterback will draw most of the attention, you can’t ignore needs like running back and wide receiver.

The Bears are certainly doing their homework, as they were among a handful of teams that have met with Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans during the pre-draft process, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

It’s no secret that the Bears run game was abysmal — and a big part of the reason why Chicago’s offense sputtered last season. There’s been a renewed focus to correct the run game, so say the Bears, but they can’t ignore that there’s no solid backup for starter David Montgomery.

Tarik Cohen will be listed as the No. 2 back, but he’s a gadget player. Cohen isn’t someone that could take over for Montgomery should he go down with an injury. While everyone’s hopeful for preseason stud Ryan Nall, the Bears don’t know that they can depend on him to be a dependable three-down back should the situation call for it.

Which is why general manager Ryan Pace needs to address running back in this draft. And maybe Evans is the answer for the Bears. Evans is a versatile back that has the traits to be a three-down back in the NFL, and a nice complement to Montgomery.

In 2019, Evans rushed for 1,480 yards and 18 touchdowns on 255 carries last year with the Mountaineers. For his career, Evans rushed for 2,884 rushing yards with 25 rushing touchdowns along with 39 receptions for 319 yards and six receiving touchdowns in three collegiate seasons.

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Evans in his evaluation:

Slashing outside-zone runner with glide in his stride and ability to run with elusiveness and creativity. Evans is a little undersized and might be viewed as a change-of-pace option, but he appears to have the three-down skill set to handle committee carries. He can run with patience, but has the loose hips and agile feet to plant-and-go in a hurry. He sees the field and does a nice job of setting up and eluding tacklers with lateral cuts or stacked moves. While he’s confident in space, Evans lacks the commitment and finishing force to make a living inside the tackles. His third-down and kick-return versatility increases the likelihood that Evans will hear his name called in the middle rounds with a chance to become a solid RB2.

Zierlein projects Evans to go in the fourth round. While the Bears don’t currently have a fourth-round selection — they traded that for quarterback Nick Foles — you figure the Bears would be interested in Evans should he happen to fall to the fifth round, where they own pick 163.

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4 do’s for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things GM Ryan Pace and the Bears should do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for how Pace should address this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears need to do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DO: Trade down

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The one thing Bears fans certainly don’t want to hear is that Pace is trading draft capital to move up and draft someone in the first round. Something that he’s been known for in the past — with mixed results.

The Bears have just two selections in the first four rounds, which doesn’t leave them a lot to work with amid several roster concerns. While Pace has been prone to trading up to get his guy, we could see a change in the guard when it comes to trading draft capital.

Pace should try to trade one of those second-round picks to acquire additional picks — perhaps an extra selection in the third or fourth round that would allow them to nab a prospect that winds up falling in the draft — before their five selections in rounds 5-7. While Pace has had mixed results in the first round, Pace has found some gems in the later rounds.

That certainly sounds like it could be the case, as Brad Biggs reported Chicago is expected to try and trade back at least one — maybe both — of their second-round picks in order to gather additional picks.

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2020 NFL Draft: Should the Bears target tight end in 2nd round?

Following the release of Trey Burton, there are some that believe the Bears will use one of their 2nd-rounders to draft a tight end.

There’s no doubt that tight end remains a huge need for the Chicago Bears. That’s certainly the case when your tight end group collectively nets 36 receptions, 416 receiving yards and just two touchdowns.

Bears general manager Ryan Pace has been focused on fixing one of the position groups that plagued Chicago’s offense. He brought in veteran Jimmy Graham during free agency and admitted a mistake with Trey Burton, parting ways with him Friday.

The Bears have been linked to tight ends throughout the pre-draft process, and it’s not exactly a surprise. But considering this year’s weak class of tight ends, there are some that believe there aren’t any tight ends worthy of a second-round selection.

Following the release of Burton, there are some that believe it’s a certainty that Chicago will use one of their second-rounders to draft a tight end. While that’s certainly a possibility, it’s not a guarantee.

The problem with the Bears taking a tight end in the second round is that they only have two selections in the first four rounds — both in the second round — and there are needs other than tight end.

Chicago has shown interest in prospects like Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins, Dayton’s Adam Trautman and Vanderbilt’s Jared Pinkney. While guys like Kmet and Hopkins will be gone before the Bears’ next pick rolls around following the second round, Pinkney is someone that should still be there for Chicago in the fifth round.

But given a report that the Bears are looking to trade one — possibly both — of their second-rounders, it would make sense for Pace to trade down and lock up an extra selection in rounds three or four, where some top tight end prospects should still be on the board.

What say you, Bears fans? Should Pace draft a tight end in the second round of the draft?

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Bears have met with former XFL safety Kenny Robinson

The Bears are looking for a safety to pair opposite Eddie Jackson, and perhaps that’s former XFL star Kenny Robinson.

When it comes to roster needs heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, safety is near the top of the list for Chicago Bears.

So it’s not surprising that the Bears have shown interest in safeties during the pre-draft process, including a former XFL star that is draft-eligible.

The Bears recently met with former West Virginia and St. Louis BattleHawks safety Kenny Robinson, according to The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid.

Robinson proved to be a ball hawk during his time in the XFL and at the collegiate level. In five games with the BattleHawks, Robinson had two interceptions in the eight passes thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus charting.

At West Virginia, Robinson nabbed three interceptions — including two for scores — as a freshman. He followed that up with four picks as a sophomore in 2018.

The Bears are looking for a strong safety to pair opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson. While Robinson has played centerfield during his career, he’s a versatile player that can play either strong or free safety.

Robinson is projected to be a Day 3 prospect, which favors the Bears who currently have five picks in Rounds 5-7 — one in the fifth round and a pair of picks in both the sixth and seventh rounds.

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5 interior offensive linemen Bears should target in 2020 NFL Draft

It might a weak interior linemen class, but there are some prospects that would be good fits for the Bears.

Offensive line is no doubt one of the biggest roster concerns for the Bears. While the Bears brought in offensive linemen Germain Ifedi and Jason Spriggs during free agency, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Bears to target a guard in the draft.

With a starting right guard spot up for grabs, Chicago figures to be in the market for a young guard. But while the offensive tackle class is a deep one, the same can’t be said for the interior linemen. With that said, there are some prospects that would be good fits for Chicago.

Let’s take a look at five offensive guards the Bears should target in the NFL Draft:

1. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Ruiz is arguably the best interior lineman in this draft class, and he’d be an immediate contributor for the Bears. While Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. Ruiz’s combination of athleticism, skills and technique make him a player that should develop into a solid interior lineman at the professional level.

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Bears held pre-draft meeting with Utah EDGE Bradlee Anae

When looking at the list of needs for the Bears, EDGE is certainly one. Chicago has shown interest in Utah’s Bradlee Anae.

The 2020 NFL Draft is less than a week away, and we’ll soon see how general manager Ryan Pace addresses the Bears’ positional needs. Pass rusher figures to be in the mix.

Chicago recently held a pre-draft teleconference meeting with Utah edge rusher Bradlee Anae, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Anae has benefited from a solid Senior Bowl performance, where he was virtually unblockable throughout the week. While his Scouting Combine effort wasn’t inspiring, Anae still projects to be a Day 2 pick.

Last season, Anae had 41 total tackles — including 14 for loss — and 13 sacks. While Anae played as a defensive end at Utah, he’s expected to occupy the role of a stand-up outside linebacker at the pro level.

When looking at the list of needs for the Bears, edge rusher is certainly one. But is it the most important one? Position groups like offensive line and defensive back figure to be bigger concerns at this point.

The Bears currently have two picks in the first four rounds, both second rounders. So Pace has to be smart with how he attacks the draft. Although, it sounds like Pace is trying to trade back with one or both second-round selections.

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5 safeties the Bears should target in 2020 NFL Draft

In a weak safety class, the Bears need to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety. Here are five prospects that fit the bill.

With the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the Chicago Bears have a starting safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.

Right now, Deon Bush, Jordan Lucas and DeAndre Houston-Carson figure to battle it out for the starting strong safety spot, presumably alongside a rookie.

Many draft analysts have the Bears targeting a safety with one of their two second-round picks, and in a weak safety class, Chicago needs to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety.

Let’s take a look at five safeties the Bears could target in the NFL Draft:

1. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Chinn’s athleticism, size and speed make him an intriguing prospect, and he proved to a defensive playmaker for Southern Illinois. Chinn’s stock has been on the rise since his impressive outing at the Senior Bowl, and he’s now projected to be a Day 2 pick. Chinn has made it clear that he’d love to play for the Bears, and they appear to feel the same, as they’ve met with him twice during the pre-draft process.

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Bears held pre-draft meeting with Louisiana-Lafayette OT Robert Hunt

Bears GM Ryan Pace figures to consider drafting an offensive lineman with one of Chicago’s 2nd-round picks.

The Chicago Bears have no shortage of roster needs heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, especially when it comes to the offensive side of the ball.

You figure general manager Ryan Pace will be considering drafting an offensive lineman with one of Chicago’s second-round picks. And they have certainly been doing their homework on offensive linemen.

The Bears recently held a pre-draft meeting with Louisiana-Lafayette offensive tackle Robert Hunt over FaceTime, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

While the Bears are financially committed to left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and right tackle Bobby Massie in 2020, this draft presents itself as a chance to build toward the future.

Hunt played most of his collegiate career at right tackle, and he’d be a great developmental player that could be groomed to replace Massie should Chicago decide to part ways with him.

But the Bears are also looking for a right guard, and CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has mentioned that Hunt was garnering some interest as an interior lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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