SHUFFLE THE TILES
Jean-Francois, if signed would be the second defensive lineman added to the roster in a two-day span. It would also fix the lingering depth problem the team has at the end position. Outside of Akiem Hicks, all they have are Mitch Unrein, Jonathan Bullard, Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson. Not much to feel good about. Jean-Francois is far more proven and credible. There is also a belief that his arrival could take defensive line off the list of possible picks early in the draft.
Ricky Jean Francois is visiting Bears tomorrow. If signed this would be a good "get" and might take D-Line out of the equation for Early RDs
— Greg Gabriel (@greggabe) March 17, 2017
That would mean Jonathan Allen is no longer a consideration. Perhaps even Solomon Thomas, the fast-developing fan favorite. If that’s the case then the board takes on a significant shift. What is left in the top 10 that the Bears could go with if not defensive line? Of course safety is the popular choice. Problem is Malik Hooker is injured and Jamal Adams doesn’t have the “elite” label in terms of talent. Besides, safeties come very expensive when taken that high.
There are no offensive tackles, outside linebackers, or wide receivers worthy of going that high. Only one cornerback is mentioned for that range in Marshon Lattimore and he has a history of hamstring problems. Tight end? The talent level is there for sure but no tight end has ever gone higher than the sixth pick in draft history.
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Love it or hate it, that only leaves one position that makes sense. Presuming this theory is correct.
CONNECT THE DOTS
The debate on social media continues to rage. The Chicago Bears must draft a quarterback. No they must take the best player available. Back and forth. There likely will be no end to it until the team actually makes that selection at the end of April. At that point it won’t matter anymore, one way or the other.
Still, the signs are there for people to note. One defensive lineman signed already. Another one potentially on the cusp. On top of that? The Bears only have two quarterbacks under contract at present. One of them is a former backup whose new contract runs out of almost all its guaranteed money by year two. The other a third-stringer who had a nice preseason before breaking his leg.
Not exactly a duo that screams “security” at the most important position in the game. There is the chance that Jean-Francois signs elsewhere, but if he doesn’t it’s time to reexamine what this team might have planned.
