Two top draft experts for NFL.com in Chad Reuter and Lance Zierlein decided to tackle the upcoming draft in a new way. They focused in on the first two picks each team has, regardless of position on the board, and secured what they felt were two “perfect” prospects to fit their needs. So what were their Chicago Bears draft picks?
There were a variety of ways to go with this. The Bears don’t have any glaring needs. Most of their issues are ones of depth at places like an outside linebacker, cornerback, safety, and interior offensive line. Of course, running back is the focal point after a shakeup to their roster last month.
Their choices proved to be an interesting mixture of flash and substances.
» Round 3: No. 87 overall — Ben Banogu, edge, TCU
» Round 4: No. 126 — Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise StateDepth behind Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd is an issue, even with Aaron Lynch signing a one-year deal to return. Banogu could be a real value in the top 100 because he’s not only very athletic but plays with strength that you might not expect given his lean frame. Mattison’s powerful but elusive running style and ability as a receiver makes him a nice fit for a team that just traded Jordan Howard.
Those Chicago Bears draft picks could be better (and a lot worse)
All things considered the choices aren’t terrible. Banogu has really gained some steam lately in the draft community thanks to his strong showings at the Senior Bowl and scouting combine. He’s a decent-sized edge rusher who had 17 sacks and 34.5 tackles for a loss his final two years at TCU. There is definite potential in his game but it’s hard to tell how much he wants it.
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Mattison could best be called a “safe” pick in a draft sense. One of those players who may never be a star but is likely to have a long career that should produce some good seasons. He’s no elite in any aspect but he is a tough, determined runner with strength and creativity. He’ll stick his nose in as a pass protector and isn’t a liability as a pass catcher.
One can say it’s not a bad pair of picks. The Bears get their third member of the running back committee and a young pass rusher with upside they can mold behind Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd. It’s not what one would call a perfect pairing though. More like two solid, if uninspiring picks.
