The Chicago Bears draft plans for 2018 are still in the preliminary stages. GM Ryan Pace still has a ton of work to do. The scouting combine is right around the corner, following by pro days. The draft board is far from set in terms of who the Bears may or may not want to draft. That being said, it’s likely Pace already has a strong idea of where the strengths of this incoming class are.
If that’s the case he also has an idea of what he’ll want to do when the action begins. Particularly in regards to a possible trade. It’s becoming apparent over the past two years that Pace is not a man who likely to remain idle. After staying put in his first year back in 2015, he has traded up in both the 2016 and 2017 drafts.
Will he possibly make it a third-straight time in 2018 or could a different sort of move be in mind? Several ideas are in play but one source informed me that the strongest among them, at least for the moment, involves considerable gamble fans haven’t seen in years.
Bears draft plans could involve a steep 1st round drop
The source told me the phones remain hot in discussions with several teams. Pace is exploring any and all moves he could make come this April. There is one, though, that has gained some steam.
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“They’ve been engaged in talks with teams in front and back of them in the draft. The one that’s gaining momentum is with Buffalo. Multiple scenarios were discussed including both 1sts (#21 and #22) for #8.”
This is an interesting scenario. The Buffalo Bills are quite stacked with draft picks this year. They hold two first and two second round picks. So they are equipped to make a big jump up the board without having to sacrifice future selections if they wish. It’s also no secret they’re in the hunt for a quarterback. They signaled that last year when they benched Tyrod Taylor. However, their first attempt failed when Nathan Peterman threw five interceptions in his first game.
#Bills have been calling around, pursuing potential trade partners in the top ten of this year's draft.
Presumably for a shot at a quarterback.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 17, 2018
With so many other teams likely to outmaneuver them for the top free agents, Buffalo’s best chance to land a top QB is the draft. Chicago holds a strong position in this regard with their 8th pick. There is definitely a scenario in play that could see this trade happen. If a number of the top free agents like Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum or Teddy Bridgewater land with QB-needy teams picking above them (Browns, Giants, Broncos, Jets), this could cause one or two top prospects to fall.
In the event that happens, Buffalo will be ready to pounce. Chicago would gain lots of flexibility with an extra first round pick. Were it to happen, it would mark the first time since 2003 the Bears have made such a move. Here’s hoping Pace does better than Michael Haynes and Rex Grossman if it happens.
