It’s officially Draft Season.
The Chicago Bears have seven picks in the 2020 NFL Draft and with zero in the first round for the second consecutive year, Ryan Pace and company are going to have their work cut out for them. Unlike last offseason, there are a lot more positions to worry about than simply the kicker spot.
Team needs
The Bears have several areas they can look to improve on in this draft but here are the positions the team should focus their attention when on the clock:
IOL, TE, QB, OT, EDGE, S, LB, CB, IDL
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Round 1: Khalil Mack
Thank you, Jon Gruden.
Round 2, Pick 43
Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
Height: 6’3 1/2″ | Weight: 241
Draft Projection: Round 2
Strengths:
Displays high football IQ. Freak of an athlete and explosive when he has the ball in his hands. Deceptive speed for position. Body control is very impressive for his size. Can work the seam as well as anyone. Runs clean routes and separates very well. Catch radius is off the charts.
Weaknesses:
Has a rather thin frame and won’t wow anyone with his blocking — especially in the run game. His game resembles more of a receiver than a TE.
Tape:
Summary:
Brycen Hopkins is atop many draft boards when it comes to the tight end position. In 2019, Hopkins had 61 catches, 830 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. His athleticism combined with his ability to make plays after the catch, is what will make him a top target for several teams. He also possess the ability to be a day one impact on a team such as the Bears, who desperately need production at the TE spot.
Round 2, Pick 50:
Cesar Ruiz | IOL | Michigan
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 319
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3
Strengths:
Great size and strength. One of the best pass-blocking centers in the nation but has experience at guard. His versatility is second to none and will be very valuable to NFL teams.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent at times. Occasionally gives up to much ground off initial snap.
Tape:
Summary:
Cesar Ruiz is an absolute monster. His versatility at both center and guard, makes it easy to see him as a plug-and-play starter in the right situation. Taking him with the 50th pick would be a steal as he very well could be gone at this point in the draft.
Round 5, Pick 145:
Marlon Davidson | Edge | Auburn
Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 282
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-5
Strengths:
Plays with a high motor. Displays good size, strength. Very versatile due to playing several positions all throughout his career. Upper-Body Strength is elite.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism isn’t ideal for an edge rusher. Gives up to many positive plays when targeted. Lack of quickness in short-areas.
Tape:
Summary:
Davidson would bring a ton of value to the Bears as they cannot depend on Leonard Floyd to take that next step going into next season.
Round 6, Pick 176:
Isaiah Hodgins | WR | Oregon State
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 209
Draft Projection: Rounds 3-6
Strengths:
Smooth route runner. Effective vertical speed. No issues with effort or hustle. Has a very complimentary catch radius for his size.
Weaknesses:
Lack of explosiveness is a cause of concern. Won’t be a big YAC guy. His lack of agility may hinder him at the next level.
Tape:
Summary:
Isaiah Hodgins has several attractive traits that could very well help him develop into a very good NFL wide receiver. He’d be a great pick-up for the Bears as their receiving core isn’t as strong as we thought this time last year.
Round 6, Pick 180:
Anthony Gordon | QB | Washington State
Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 199
Draft Projection: Day 3 candidate (Trending up)
Strengths:
Displays good overall athleticism for a QB. Does a great job at manipulating defenders with his eyes which will be pivotal at the next level. Throws a beautiful deep ball.
Weaknesses:
Gordon is definitely project. Decision making isn’t the best which in turn leads to the dangerous throws he makes from time to time. His arm strength isn’t blowing anyone away either.
Tape:
Summary:
The Bears will more than likely address the back-up QB position in free agency but it never hurts to draft a developmental quarterback.
Round 7, Pick 203:
Damien Lewis | IOL | LSU
Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 329
Draft Projection: Rounds 5-7
Strengths:
Great power and strength. His ability to finish blocks is impressive.
Weaknesses:
Lewis is very good in several of areas but lacks any great qualities you might see in other lineman.
Tape:
Summary:
The Bears desperately need help with their offensive line play and that is why I have them dipping their feet twice in the offensive lineman category in 2020.
Round 7, Pick 210:
Dane Jackson | CB | Pittsburgh
Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 190
Draft Projection: Rounds 5-7
Strengths:
Jackson is a tackling machine. Brings a good combo of both length and size. Has potential to make an impact as a special teams player if given the chance.
Weaknesses:
Lack of discipline could hinder him at the next level. Tends to lose focus when the ball is in the air. Recorded 14 pass breakups but didn’t tally a single interception.
Tape:
Summary:
Picking Jackson here isn’t flashy but it is definitely a safe pick for the Bears. With the future of Haha Clinton Dix up in the air, the Bears would be smart to dip in free agency when it comes to finding a running mate for Eddie Jackson.
