Ryan Pace would love nothing more than to score a home run with the Chicago Bears #8 pick in the NFL draft. Four days remain before it’s time to make a decision. As yet nobody has a clue what the Bears have planned. That’s no surprise. Pace places a high value on misdirection. The fewer people know about his intentions, the better. So rather than trying to predict the man, maybe it’s better to better understand the pick.
Historically the Bears have held the #8 pick a total of five times. All things considered, it hasn’t produced much for them in the past. Only one of the five produced a solid player, three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Wally Chambers. The rest were average or forgettable names. No true difference-makers. What must the Bears do to change their fortunes at that spot? Maybe it’s as simple as switching the targeted position.
In the past Chicago took a defensive tackle, an offensive tackle, a tight end and two wide receivers with the #8 pick. Historically, those positions have produced mixed results in that spot. If the Bears wants a favorable chance of success this year, there is one area they should target.
History favors defensive back with Chicago Bears #8 pick
In terms of pure hit rate going back to the draft’s origins, no position has been more fruitful at #8 overall than defensive back. To date, 10 total players at either safety or cornerback have gone in that spot. So far eight of them panned out to make at least one Pro Bowl during their career. That’s an 80% hit rate, which is bananas.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
- Ronnie Lott
- Roy Williams
- DeAngelo Hall
- Mark Haynes
- Antrel Rolle
- Donte Whitner
- Kermit Alexander
- Marv Woodson
Quite a who’s who on that list. This is favorable for the Bears because it looks like the 2018 draft class is strong at defensive back this year. Projections have upwards of three names worthy of going in the top 10. They include safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James along with cornerback Denzel Ward.
The comparisons those players are drawing make the intrigue even better. Fitzpatrick is viewed as another hybrid safety with corner traits, similar to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Malcolm Jenkins. The same man Pace helped draft in New Orleans. James is viewed as another Eric Berry, whom head coach Matt Nagy watched for years in Kansas City. Nagy would also recognize the game of Ward, having coached against something similar in Denver Broncos Pro Bowler Chris Harris Jr.
It really feels like they can’t go wrong if they choose to target a defensive back at #8. Sure it may not fill the most immediate need on the roster, but Pace always preaches getting the best player available. More than anything what he needs is a good player. Period. No mistakes can be afforded right now.
