In a pre-Day 2 2020 NFL Draft mock draft from CBS Sports and the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills don’t have many holes on their roster. Let alone their defense. Let alone their stout secondary. But that group gets even deeper in CBS Sports‘ latest mock draft draft, which was released on Friday after the conclusion of Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday.
In it, the Bills stand pat at pick No. 54, their current first selection of the draft in the second round. With it, Buffalo nabs Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn.
After their first pick, the Bills do decide to do some moving. In the third round, Buffalo jump up four spots from pick No. 86 to pick No. 82 in a mocked trade with the Cowboys. There is another defensive back as the selection, Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler.
Here’s the breakdown on both picks:
Yes, Buffalo has other, more obvious needs, but Chinn is part of the future as a “positionless” defender.
The Bills see the length, instincts, and feisty nature in Dantzler and make a move to get him.
While the Bills have a set safety duo in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, Chinn could be in play for the Bills because of his versatility. Some project him as a mix between a safety, linebacker and big slot cornerback in the NFL. That versatility will be coveted by Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott. The 6-foot-3, 221-pound defensive back has impressive size and just as impressive combine numbers. Chinn ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash time and followed that up with a 41-inch vertical jump.
At SIU, Chinn, a senior, finished his career with 13 interceptions, 31 passes defended and six forced fumbles. The Bills also reportedly had a pre-draft meeting with Chinn.
While the Bills did add Josh Norman and EJ Gaines to their cornerback room this offseason, those two have some health and consistency concerns. In addition, if the Bills don’t view Levi Wallace as their long-term answer, Dantzler could be that guy across from Tre’Davious White for years to come.
At 6-foot-2, Dantzler has the athleticism and length to match up with NFL receivers. He recorded 40 tackles and two interceptions last season.
If the Bears decide to stay put with picks 43 and 50, there are some opportunities for them to address some important roster needs.
The Chicago Bears were without a first-round selection for the second straight year — a result of the Khalil Mack trade with the Las Vegas Raiders — but there will be plenty of first-round talent available for them when the second round kicks off.
Chicago has no shortage of roster needs heading into this draft — and not a whole lot of draft capital to work with. The Bears have just two picks in the first four rounds, so it’s possible that they try to trade back to accumulate additional picks. And given the talent still left on the board, there figures to be some teams willing to move up.
But if the Bears decide to stay put with picks 43 and 50 — especially given the crop of prospects still available — there are some opportunities for them to address some important roster needs.
Let’s take a look at five positions that the Bears should consider addressing with their pair of second rounders:
1. Offensive line
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One of the biggest issues with the Bears’ abysmal offense a season ago was the offensive line, who returned five starters off a solid 2018 season. While most of the offensive line will remain intact in 2020 — with left tackle Charles Leno Jr., left guard James Daniels, center Cody Whitehair and right tackle Bobby Massie — the Bears have a starting right guard spot up for grabs following Kyle Long’s retirement.
Heading into Round 2, there has been only one interior offensive lineman taken — Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz. Which leaves players like Louisiana-Lafayette’s Robert Hunt, LSU’s Damien Lewis and Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson for the taking for Chicago on Day 2. While six offensive tackles were taken in the first round, Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland and Houston’s Josh Jones highlight some first-round prospects that have fallen to Day 2.
Here are five safeties that are still on the board heading into Day 2 that Chicago should target, if they fall to them at pick 43.
The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft couldn’t have gone better for the Chicago Bears, who heading into Day 2 armed with a pair of second-rounders has plenty of first-round talent still on the board.
Heading into Round 2, there are a wealth of safety prospects — including some first-round talent — available. And considering the Bears are looking for safety Eddie Jackson’s running mate at strong safety, Chicago would do well to consider these players.
Here are five safeties that are still on the board heading into Day 2 that Chicago should target, if they fall to them at pick 43.
1. Xavier McKinney, Alabama
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It’s hard to believe that, after Round 1, arguably the best safety prospect is still on the board heading into Day 2. While the Bears should lock him up in an instant, there’s a good chance he doesn’t fall 10 spots to Chicago at No. 43. But on the off chance he does, Xavier McKinney would bring athleticism, instincts and versatility to the safety position opposite Eddie Jackson.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, McKinney is an “ascending safety prospect offering a combination of plus athleticism, field awareness and versatility. McKinney split time equally at slot, free safety and in the box and is accomplished in each. His coverage instincts, athleticism and quick-twitch burst are more cornerback than safety, which is why he’s likely to be a coveted toy for teams looking to upgrade and diversify their sub-packages. He can sit in center field all day if needed, and he’s an adequate open-field tackler but has room for improvement in that area. McKinney represents the new breed of versatile, matchup safety with high upside as an early starter.”
After a few shocks in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a very interesting position as the second round opens up on Friday.
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As the owners of the Nos. 34 and 44 picks, the Colts have unique positioning to draft two players who can have immediate impacts. One of those picks could come at the safety position.
After no safeties were taken off the board in Round 1, there are plenty of value picks in the early portion of the second round. Here are a few options for Chris Ballard and Co. to take with their first two picks of this draft:
Grant Delpit, LSU
Some saw it as a surprise that Delpit did not get picked on Thursday night, but many teams will be thankful that he didn’t. As a three-year starter for LSU, Delpit has won two Consensus All-American awards and was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection.
Delpit would bring an interesting combination of elite coverage skills mixed with run-stopping ability. He would fit in the Colts secondary and could help on stopping the run while blitzing as well. He is a very versatile prospect.
Xavier McKinney, Alabama
McKinney falling out of the first round was also a shock to many around the league. The junior safety out of Alabama was an All-SEC selection in 2019 and decided to leave the Crimson Tide a year early after having a breakout year.
McKinney is great in downfield pass coverage, but where he shines is in blitz packages when he is able to rush the quarterback. He is very fast and has great vision for reading a QB for an interception.
Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
This pick would most likely be at No. 44, but Winfield is no consolation prize. He decided to forego his final two years of eligibility for the Golden Gophers after his breakout year in 2019 where he earned the honors of Unanimous first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
As a talented safety, Winfield has great coverage skills and excels in zone coverage when he can come across the field for a pick. His ability to read the quarterback and undercut routes is very rare at his age and level of play.
He is also a talented punt returner, which highlights his ability to read the field and use his speed to his advantage. As a very versatile athlete, he is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps.
After a multitude of reports came out about the Colts possibly trading Malik Hooker this week to move up in the draft, many thought the Colts would need to draft a safety coming up in the second round. What nobody thought, however, was the quality of safeties that would still be on the board.
Hooker’s inability to stay healthy is still a concern as he heads into the fourth year of his rookie contract and has yet to receive an extension or a fifth-year option.
Could this be the spot where the Colts make a decision on their future at the safety position? Could other safeties like Jeremy Chinn and Ashtyn Davis be options too?
Either way, the Colts have many options on what to do with their two second-round picks. The way this draft has gone so far, I would not be surprised to see a couple more shocking moves on Day 2 and beyond.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
While you can never plan for things to fall exactly in place, who would be the Bears’ ideal top two picks?
With the 2020 NFL Draft just one week away, NFL clubs across the country, including the Chicago Bears, are finalizing plans and strategies for the three-day affair that will welcome in a slew of new players.
But those plans don’t always pan out like teams would like. That’s just the name of the game, and even the best draft experts can’t predict how the chips will fall.
It’s no secret that the Bears have a number of needs on offense and defense, including offensive line and defensive back. Reuter and Zierlein believe that Chicago’s ideal scenario would involve bringing in Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz with the 43rd pick and Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn with the 50th selection.
Chicago is without a first-round pick again this year due to the trade for sack artist Khalil Mack. Fortunately, they have a couple second-round picks, including one from the Raiders in the Mack deal, that they can use to address two major areas of need: center and safety. Ruiz is an athletic player who has the football intelligence to step into the starting role on Day 1. Chinn’s size and hitting ability will allow him to play in the box when Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson is in centerfield, while his overall athleticism will enable him to handle deep coverage duties and work in the slot.
It’s more of an expectation that Chicago will address the offensive line in this draft, and Ruiz would be a player that you could plug in from Day 1. Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, but he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. The Bears have a vacant right guard spot to fill with Kyle Long’s retirement, and Ruiz could certainly occupy that role.
The Bears also have a starting strong safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro-Bowler Eddie Jackson. Chinn has been someone that the Bears have shown interest in, having met with him twice this pre-draft process. Chinn’s stock has risen since his performance at the Senior Bowl, and he’s someone that would be a great fit opposite Jackson.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Southern Illinois defender Jeremy Chinn
Every year, the NFL draft features a few small-school prospects who dominated in college, and have the skills to do the same thing at the game’s highest level.
Jeremy Chinn made big plays all over the field for Southern Illinois, no matter where he lined up, and he’s got the talent to make the same kind of impact in the pro ranks.
One of the top defensive prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Chinn recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his impressive college career, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: 13 interceptions, 31 pass break-ups and six forced fumbles. You spend a lot of time around the football. What is it about your game that lead to that ball production?
JC: I’m always looking for the quickest route to the ball. I take a lot of pride in that production. I’m a high effort player. I believe there’s only one way to play the game, and that’s fast and physical. The game evolves around the ball, so I might as well get my hands on it by any means possible.
JM: How do you look back on your time at Southern Illinois?
JC: I progressed a lot throughout my time there. I was able to get into the starting lineup as a true freshman. My production seemed to take a step forward every year. I got smarter and better on a consistent basis. I made less and less mistakes as the years went by. It’s really all about instincts for me at this point.
Syndication: Springfield
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
JC: It was cool. I’m a local, I’m actually from Indianapolis. To actually get a chance to go to the combine, it was the coolest experience in the world for me. I enjoyed getting around all of the different coaching staffs, scouts and general managers. All of the big decision makers were definitely in attendance. I finally hit the field on the Sunday and I was ready to go.
JM: First of all, the measurements are off the charts. You stand in at 6-3 and 221 pounds. Your arms measured in at over 32 inches. When it came to the testing, you hit a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash and a 138-inch broad jump. Did you expect to test as well as you did?
JC: Yeah, I actually expected to run a little faster in the 40. Throughout training, my 10-yard and 20-yard splits were a bit faster than what I actually tested at. I planned on running faster. I planned on jumping a little higher as well. I was pretty happy with my broad jump though.
JM: What were the splits looking like in training?
JC: My 10-yard split was about a 1.50 flat and I ended up getting a 1.55 at the combine. It may seem like a small difference, but it can be the difference between the 4.45 I hit in the 40 and the 4.40 I was running in training.
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you think is the overall impression you left out there?
JC: I think everybody out there realized that I love to compete. I love the game of football. That’s the impression I was hoping to leave out there. I’m a competitive guy. Like I said earlier, I believe there’s only one way to play the game. That’s how I approach the game every single time I hit the field. I’m gonna come in and make the team better. I’m gonna live around the ball. It doesn’t matter how they choose to use me, I’m gonna positively impact the game for us. I’m coming in ready to work. I’m ready to win.
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JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the safety position?
JC: I had a really great defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois. When you watch the film on me, you see me moving all over the place. I played in the slot, I played single-high, I played in the box. During my junior year, I actually played a lot of cornerback on the outside. I love being able to play so many different spots. That’s my favorite aspect of playing the safety position. I’m rangy enough to play up high and make those interceptions, or I can come down in the box and blitz or impact the run game. There’s so many beautiful aspects to playing the safety position. I get to do so much on the field.
JM: Do you have a preference when it comes to impacting the run game or passing game?
JC: I can’t say that I have a preference. I’m a competitor. Whenever I’m on the field, it doesn’t matter which spot I’m playing, I feel like it’s my time to shine and make a play. I’m always looking to make an impact.
JM: You mentioned playing a little cornerback on the outside. Do you approach a smaller, shiftier receiver any differently than you do a bigger, more physical one?
JC: Yeah, I definitely approach those guys a little differently. Thankfully for me, I have the athletic ability. When they first see me, I’m a 6-3, 220 pound guy, they don’t think I can run fast but I’m just as quick and fast as anybody out there. I don’t have a problem matching their speed. I really try to get my hands on those smaller guys. You have to disrupt them a little bit. Most of them don’t like it when you’re physical with them, especially since I’m a big guy. I understand how to use my arm length and reach to my advantage.
JM: We’ve touched quite a bit on your defensive coordinator, and how he was creative in the way that you were utilized in the defense. What can you tell me about the overall scheme?
JC: We primarily ran a quarters defense. We had two high safeties most of the time. We played a lot of Cover 3 as well. I played all over the field and often roamed the middle. I really played everything.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?
JC: Everything started to shut down immediately after my pro day. I wasn’t able to get any of those private meetings in unfortunately. I’ve been able to stay in contact with teams through FaceTime and Zoom.
JM: Which teams have you met with via FaceTime and Zoom?
JC: Out of respect for the teams, I’m choosing to keep that information private at this time. I will say that from the Senior Bowl to now, I’ve met with all 32 teams in some capacity.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
JC: I didn’t get asked anything too strange. Somebody asked me if I was more like a cat or a dog. I just said I was more like a dog. I’m always in attack mode. I can be a bully or a protector.
JM: Throughout all of your team meetings, has anyone brought up the small-school competition? If so, how did you answer that?
JC: No team has really brought that up. I think when you turn on the film, you can see the type of player that I am. When we played against the big schools, schools like Ole Miss and Memphis, those were two of my best games throughout my career and I played against those guys during my junior and sophomore years. I don’t think anybody will really question me because of the level of competition. The film speaks for itself.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
JC: I don’t know that I can pick just one way (laughs). I’m always prepared for my opponent. I’ll say that. It’s important to study the film before going up against that team. I’m always ready to outwork my opponent. I’m more physical than you are. It’s a physical game. I’m not gonna let my opponent win the physical battle.
JM: When a team uses a draft pick on Jeremy Chinn, what kind of guy are they getting?
JC: They’re gonna get a leader. They’re getting a high impact player. I love the game of football and I love learning new things. I’m always working to get better. I love the work that comes with it. That’s really what I’m most excited about as I continue to prepare for the next level. I can’t wait to get better.
With the 2020 NFL Draft just about a week away, we’re close to seeing what Bears GM Ryan Pace does for this roster.
With the 2020 NFL Draft just about a week away, we’re close to seeing what Bears general manager Ryan Pace does for this roster with needs on both the offense and defense.
With the 43rd overall pick, Hanson has Chicago landing Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz. 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. Considering the Bears have a starting right guard job up for grabs, Ruiz could battle it out amongst Germain Ifedi, Alex Bars and Rashaad Coward.
Then the with the 50th overall selection, Hanson has the Bears targeting Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn. Chinn’s athleticism and ball skills make him one of the best safeties in this draft class. And with the Bears looking to fill the starting strong safety spot opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, Chinn would be a great fit paired with one of the NFL’s best safeties.
In the fifth round, with the 164th overall pick, Hanson has Chicago taking Stanford tight end Colby Parkinson, which addresses the Bears’ need at a position of need without targeting one too early in the NFL Draft. Parkinson serves as an extra receiver out on the field, and at 6-foot-7, he’d be a big target for Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles, especially in the red zone.
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.
