With only three games remaining in this NFL season, most of the league has already moved into off-season mode. This is the typical time of year when the mock draft mayhem ensues. Fans start to see what the top draft experts believe their teams will place their focus come April. The Chicago Bears fandom is no different. They’ve eagerly awaited to hear what the big guns have to say. Well they don’t have to wait any longer.
It’s still early but most of the top names have begun to release their first mock drafts of the year. As most know by now the Chicago Bears hold the #8 overall pick. This due to their 5-11 finish in 2017 and strength of schedule. It marks the first time since 2001 they’ve held that selection when wide receiver David Terrell was selected.
Obviously that didn’t go so well. Perhaps they will have better luck this time. So was their a player that became a consensus favorite for them? Yes, and so was the position he plays.
Draft experts see Chicago Bears going after those wide receivers
- Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN) – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
- Todd McShay (ESPN) – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
- Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) – Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
- Walter Cherepinsky (Walter Football) – Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa
- Matt Miller (Bleacher Report) – Connor Williams, OT, Texas
- Jonah Tuls (NDT Scouting) – Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
- Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports) – Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today) – Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
- Steve Palazzolo (Pro Football Focus) – Connor Williams, OT, Texas
A few things stand out about that list. Of course it starts with the name that crops up most. That being Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley. He’s the consensus top receiver in the 2018 class. Chicago had one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL last year. It’s logical experts would immediately see him landing there. Problem is he’s going to be 24-years old this year, so taking him at #8 is dicey.
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All told of the nine experts referenced, four of them picked a receiver. Another three went with an offensive lineman. That’s seven out of nine seeing the Bears staying focused on Mitch Trubisky. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. At the same time it’s an amazing thing to see that none of them, not one, went after an edge rusher with the pick.
One mustn’t forget that Leonard Floyd, Willie Young and Pernell McPhee all ended the season on injured reserve. Young and McPhee are into their 30s this year. There’s a chance both could be cut. The free agent crop isn’t particularly strong on edge rushers. So how is that not considered a priority in the draft?
Maybe that’s something they’ll figure out in the coming months.
