Tag: Bears draft prospects

Bears target defense with 2nd round picks in PFF’s new mock draft

The Bears address their needs in the secondary with both of their second-round picks in PFF’s new mock draft.

The Chicago Bears have no shortage of needs on both offense and defense, and without a first-round pick for the second straight year, the pressure is on for general manager Ryan Pace.

Chicago has just two picks in the first four rounds — both coming in the second round — and Pace needs to get the most bang for his buck come next Friday.

While offense remains of utmost concern for the Bears, Pace can’t ignore the needs on the defensive side of the ball, as well. And if this new mock draft has anything to say about it, Pace will target defense early.

In Pro Football Focus’ newest three-round mock draft, the Bears address their needs in the secondary with both of their second-round picks.

With the 43rd overall pick, Michael Renner has the Bears selecting Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs, a former receiver that uses his instincts to disrupt opposing wideouts.

Diggs is still so raw for the cornerback position and can be a bit of a risk-taker at times. The Bears’ defense is so talented, though, that they can afford to take a chance on playmakers like him. Diggs allowed only 309 yards all last season — although 133 of those came against LSU.

Chicago is searching for Prince Amukamara’s replacement opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns are expected to battle for that starting job, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see general manager Ryan Pace add another horse to the race in Diggs.

Then with the 50th overall selection, Renner has Chicago taking Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who knows a little something about taking the ball away from opposing offenses.

Winfield’s seven interceptions didn’t happen by accident. He’s yet another ballhawk who the Bears add to their secondary. They could target offense in the second round, but returning their defense to its dominant 2018 form is their quickest route to Super Bowl contention.

Following the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the Bears are searching for his replacement to line-up opposite former All-Pro Eddie Jackson. Jackson is expected to return to free safety, where he made a name for himself and many a turnover.

While Deon Bush, Jordan Lucas and DeAndre Houston-Carson are expected to compete for the starting job, someone like Winfield could certainly outright win the job. And it sounds like it would be a match made in heaven paired with Jackson.

The Bears currently have seven draft picks, but they only have two selections in the first four rounds. The Bears have two second-round picks, as well as one pick in the fifth round and two picks both in the sixth and seventh rounds.

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5 offensive tackles that Bears could target in 2020 NFL Draft

The Bears could build for the future at offensive tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft, and here are five prospects to watch.

With a talented class of offensive tackles, the Bears have a chance to build for the future in this year’s NFL Draft. The expectation is that quarterback and offensive tackle will be the most sought after prospects in the first round, but there are still some great prospects that figure to be on the board when the Bears’ picks roll around.

While the Bears are financially tied to Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle and Bobby Massie at right tackle in 2020, general manager Ryan Pace has an opportunity to look to the future with this draft. If Leno and Massie’s questionable play continues into 2020, they could find themselves out of job.

Let’s take a look at five offensive tackles Chicago could target in the NFL Draft:

1. Austin Jackson, USC

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson is likely to be among the slew of tackles taken in the first round, but if he were to fall to the Bears in the second round, they shouldn’t hesitate to draft him. Jackson has the attention of many teams due to his left tackle traits. Jackson has started the past two seasons at left tackle for the Trojans, and he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2019. His quickness and agility at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds is impressive.

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5 tight ends that Bears could target in 2020 NFL Draft

If the Bears decide to use one of their second-round picks on a tight end, they’ll likely have their pick of the draft class.

When a position has snakebitten the Bears, it really leaves its mark. Last year, it was kicker. This year, it’s tight end. And despite the fact that the Bears currently have nine tight ends on their roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if general manager Ryan Pace drafted another one this year.

If the Bears decide to use one of their second-round picks on a tight end, they’ll likely have their pick of the draft class. Chicago could be the first team to take a tight end, although there are some that argue that there aren’t any tight ends that should be taken in the first two rounds.

But for the Bears, who have just two picks in the first four rounds, if Pace wants to take his shot at a tight end — that doesn’t involve trading up — it might require using one of those second rounders to get his guy.

Let’s take a look at five tight ends Chicago could target in the NFL Draft:

1. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Kmet is arguably the best tight end prospect in the NFL Draft, and it’s easy to see why he’ll likely be the first tight end off the board. While Kmet lacks the speed that would make him an explosive receiving threat, he has the size to be an effective “Y” or “blocking” tight end.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute in the passing game, as well. Kmet was one of the best tight ends in college football in 2019, where he caught 43 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns. If the Bears were to draft Kmet, he’d likely take the role currently occupied by Adam Shaheen, who hasn’t found much success after Chicago drafted him in the second round four years ago.

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Mississippi State CB Cameron Dantzler held pre-draft meeting with Bears

It wouldn’t be a surprise for Bears GM Ryan Pace to use a 2nd-round pick to bring in a young CB prospect to compete for a starting job.

Armed with a pair of second-round picks, the Chicago Bears have several positions they could target in the upcoming NFL Draft. With two vacancies at cornerback and safety, Chicago could certainly make a defensive move early with pick 43 or pick 50.

The Bears recently met virtually with one of the draft’s top cornerback prospects in Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

Following the release of Prince Amukamara earlier this offseason, the Bears are looking for a cornerback to start opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. While they could look in-house for Amukamara’s replacement — including Kevin Toliver and newcomers Tre Roberson and Artie Burns — it wouldn’t be a surprise for general manager Ryan Pace to use one of those second-round picks to bring in a young corner prospect to also compete.

Maybe that could be Dantzler, who is projected to be a Day 2 prospect. Dantzler was one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC and fared well against some of the top SEC talent in LSU and Alabama.

Last season, despite starting just nine games, Dantzler tied for a team-best two interceptions and eight pass breakups, as well as 40 tackles, including two for loss.

While Dantzler thrives in the passing game and isn’t likely to give up explosive plays, he does need to work on doing a better job with his tackling.

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Brycen Hopkins appears to be top tight end target for Bears in NFL Draft

The Bears have been showing significant interest in Purdue TE Brycen Hopkins, as they’ve now had three pre-draft meetings with him.

Tight end is surely one of the positions Bears general manager Ryan Pace will be targeting in the NFL Draft later this month.

While there are no shortage of names that have been linked to the Bears, including Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, FAU’s Harrison Bryant and Dayton’s Adam Trautman, there’s been one that seems to be garnering some significant interest from the Bears.

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins recently held a video call with the Bears, along with a number of other teams, according to Adam Hoge. But it’s not Chicago’s interest in Hopkins that’s surprising, it’s the fact that the Bears have now had three meetings with the Purdue product, according to Zack Pearson.

Considering the Bears had arguably the worst collective output from its tight end group in 2019, this is a position that had to be addressed this offseason. Pace has already brought in veterans Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris this free agency. Still, for a position that’s integral to the success of Matt Nagy’s offense and a position that’s snakebitten Pace since his arrival, the Bears might not be done at tight end this offseason.

Hopkins projects to be a good fit in Nagy’s offense, where he’d likely operate as a “move” or “U” tight end. He’s a strong route runner and also brings explosiveness to the position.

In his senior season, Hopkins had 830 yards and six touchdowns for Purdue, which is the kind of production the Bears are seeking from the position after a horrible outing by their tight ends last season.

The Bears are without a first-round pick for the second straight year, but they do own a pair of second rounders. They’re likely to have their pick of tight ends if they decide to use one of those picks on a tight end.

The only question is, with only two picks in the first four rounds, does Pace use one of those on a tight end? Guess we’ll see just how much Pace likes Hopkins or another tight end Chicago’s targeting.

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Offensive line dubbed Bears’ biggest red flag heading into NFL Draft

Heading into the NFL Draft, there are no shortage of issues for the Bears on offense. But offensive line might be the biggest need.

When you have one of the NFL’s worst offenses, there’s not just one position that’s plaguing your team. As was the case for the Chicago Bears last season, who saw questionable play from quarterback, tight ends, offensive line and even play caller.

The Bears haven’t ignored those offensive flaws this offseason, as they’ve signed tight end Jimmy Graham and offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, as well as traded for Nick Foles. They even brought in four new offensive coaches that specialize in the areas of concern on offense.

But general manager Ryan Pace isn’t done, and he faces an incredibly important NFL Draft this month, once again without a first-round pick. But Pace does have a pair of second rounders, and there are no shortage of needs on offense — or even defense.

As for what is the Bears’ biggest issue headed into the NFL Draft, Bleacher Report believes that the offensive line needs to be addressed.

However, if the Bears are going to engineer a turnaround in 2020 under either Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles, something needs to be done about an offensive line that took a substantial step backward in 2019.

In 2018, the Bears struggled in run blocking (28th per Football Outsiders) but had a top-10 line in pass protection. A year ago, the pass pro also dropped way off—from seventh in 2018 to 21st in 2019.

While the Bears did add Ifedi, who’s expected to compete with Alex Bars and Rashaad Coward for the vacant starting right guard job, Chicago’s offensive line woes run deeper than guard.

Ultimately the Bears are financially strapped to their tackles for at least another season — with Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie owed big pay days. But it wouldn’t hurt for Pace to look for a tackle for the future on an offensive line that had its share of issues last season.

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Bears land tight end, cornerback in Draft Wire’s new mock draft

The Bears have roster needs on offense and defense, and a new mock draft has them targeting tight end and cornerback in the second round.

The Chicago Bears have several roster needs to address on offense and defense heading into the NFL Draft later this month.

The Bears are once again without a first-round selection because of the Khalil Mack trade. But they do have two second-round picks, and with several roster needs, general manager Ryan Pace needs to make the most of them.

In Draft Wire’s new post-free agency mock draft, Luke Easterling has the Bears addressing both offense and defense by landing a tight end and cornerback in the second round.

With the 43rd overall pick, Easterling has Chicago selecting Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet. Considering tight end remains a need for the Bears, it’s not a surprise that tight end continues to be linked to Chicago in the second round. It’s likely, if the Bears decide to take a tight end that early, that they’ll have their pick of tight ends.

Kmet is arguably the best tight end in the draft, and you’d figure he’d fit in well in Matt Nagy’s offense. The Bears need a tight end that can thrive in this system, and Kmet could very well be that guy.

Then with the 50th overall pick, Easterling has the Bears landing Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette. With a starting cornerback spot up for grabs with Prince Amukamara’s departure, there will be plenty of competition in the secondary. Kevin Toliver and newcomers Tre Roberson and Artie Burns will jockey for the position that might also include a rookie contender.

Arnette is an instinctive and versatile cornerback that could complement Kyle Fuller in the secondary. Although he’ll have to compete with Roberson, Toliver and Burns for the spot.

Chicago has seven draft picks, after they traded their fourth-round compensatory pick for quarterback Nick Foles. Two of the Bears’ picks come in the second round at No. 43 and No. 50 overall. They also have one pick in the fifth round, as well as two selections both in the sixth and seventh rounds.

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Bears trade up for their QB of the future in new mock draft

In a new mock draft, the Bears go to extremes to lock up their — hopefully — QB of the future in Utah State’s Jordan Love.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace isn’t exactly known for standing still during the NFL Draft. Pace has a reputation for seeing his guy and doing whatever it takes to land him — for better or worse.

Pace has traded up each of the last four drafts. In 2016, he traded up two spots to land outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in the first round, and he also traded up to draft linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.

We all know the story how Pace traded up one spot in 2017 to draft quarterback Mitchell Trubisky No. 2 overall. But Pace also traded up in the fourth round to land safety Eddie Jackson.

In 2018, Pace traded up to select receiver Anthony Miller in the second round. And just last year, Pace moved up 13 spots in the third round to pick running back David Montgomery.

But something he’s not known for as GM in Chicago is trading back, although he has done so sparingly. And according to a new mock draft, that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.

In For The Win‘s newest mock draft, Henry McKenna believes the Bears will go to extremes to lock up their — hopefully — quarterback of the future in Utah State’s Jordan Love.

He projects the Bears to not only trade up, but trade up into the first round to nab Love with the 27th overall pick, which is currently owned by the Seattle Seahawks.

Few thought the signal-caller would fall this far. And the Bears probably think they have enough talent at quarterback to hold them over for a year while Love develops. Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky will battle it out while Love spends the year learning, and it will all be comically dysfunctional and expensive.

The Bears don’t know who will line up under center for them when the 2020 season begins, as Trubisky and newcomer Nick Foles will battle for the starting spot in what Pace and Matt Nagy called an open competition.

Pace hasn’t had luck at a few positions since his arrival in Chicago, notably on the offense. Quarterback has been his biggest failure thus far, and you wonder if Pace will get another chance to draft a potential franchise quarterback.

Without a first-round pick for the second straight year, after the Khalil Mack trade, it seems the only way to get a chance this year is to trade up to take one. You could argue Love would warrant that reaction.

Love would certainly fit the bill for the Bears — an athletic, dual-threat quarterback with a big arm. But his decision-making has been questioned, something that Trubisky has been criticized for. Still, the upside with Love makes him worth the risk for whatever team takes a chance on him. Maybe that team is the Bears.

The Bears already traded a fourth-round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Nick Foles, but you figure Pace will target quarterback in the draft. The only question is whether Pace is willing to settle with a Day 3 developmental prospect or take another swing and trade up to draft one.

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Bears held pre-draft meetings with D-linemen Marlon Davidson, Darrion Daniels

The Bears are doing their homework on some young defensive linemen in this year’s draft class.

If there’s an area of strength on the Chicago Bears, it the defensive front-seven. Specifically, the defensive line. Even after losing defensive tackle Nick Williams to free agency, defensive line remains the Bears’ deepest group.

Still, it’s smart to do your homework on the young defensive linemen in this year’s draft class, especially when they present with the ability to serve as an edge rusher. Which is exactly what the Bears are doing ahead of the NFL Draft later this month.

The Bears have held pre-draft meetings with Auburn defensive lineman/pass rusher Marlon Davidson prior to the coronavirus outbreak and Nebraska defensive lineman Darrion Daniels over FaceTime, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

Davidson, a four-year starter at Auburn, has versatility as an interior defensive lineman and coming off the edge. While the Bears recently signed Robert Quinn to replace Leonard Floyd opposite Khalil Mack on the edge, bringing in a young prospect that has versatility in the front-seven wouldn’t hurt.

But Davidson projects to be a Day 2 pick, and considering Chicago has bigger concerns to address with their two second-round picks, he might not be in the cards for the Bears.

Daniels, on the other hand, wouldn’t be brought in as a pass rusher. He’s a candidate for nose tackle, but some worry he lacks the instincts and traits needed to be a rotational defensive tackle. Although, Daniels projects to be a Day 3 prospect, which could be interesting for the Bears that have five Day 3 selections.

The Bears have seven draft picks this year — including a pair of second rounders, one pick in the fifth round, as well as two selections both in the sixth and seventh rounds.

While the Bears certainly have bigger needs than defensive line at this point — especially on offense and even on defense in the secondary — it doesn’t hurt to do your research.

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LSU CB Kristian Fulton to have pre-draft meeting with Bears

The Bears have a vacant starting CB spot opposite Kyle Fuller, and perhaps LSU’s Kristian Fulton could fill that role.

While defense isn’t the Bears biggest concern this offseason, they do have two starting spots to fill in the secondary at cornerback and safety.

The Bears have been focused on bringing in competition at both cornerback and safety this offseason, but they’re likely to turn to the NFL Draft for some young talent, as well.

LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton is someone the Bears appear to be interested in, as he has or will hold a pre-draft meeting over FaceTime with several teams including the Bears, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

The Bears released veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara as a cap-casualty earlier this offseason, and now they’re looking for his replacement opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller.

Chicago has signed former CFL star Tre Roberson and former first-round pick Artie Burns to compete with third-year corner Kevin Toliver for the job. But it wouldn’t be a surprise to find a young prospect in the mix for the spot.

Fulton’s versatility and instincts in coverage make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. While some have hyped Fulton as a Day 1 pick, many believe he’s more likely to go in the second round, which would put the Bears in a good place to land him with one of their two second-round selections.

Fulton projects to be a starting cornerback that could see significant playing time in his rookie season. But if the Bears were to draft Fulton, he’d have to compete with a handful of cornerbacks for the starting job.

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