The Chicago Bears are a mystery. Nobody knows for certain what they’re going to do when the NFL draft comes around. Much of this is due to them not having any 1st round pick. That makes them hard to narrow down. Then there is the fact they’re run by Ryan Pace as GM. Few in his position have proven more aggressive in terms of going after guys he wants early in a draft. Of the five drafts he’s run for the Bears, three of them saw him trade up with his first pick.
So is it that crazy to think he might try to do so again? This is basically a do-or-die year for Pace. He’s a risk-taker. One can’t assume he’ll suddenly get gunshy when his job is on the line.
A source told Sports Mockery that the Bears have indeed “explored avenues” on getting into the 1st round. Obviously this doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but it’s a clear indication that the idea is not off-limits at all. It’s a matter of the right player being available and a team willing enough to move down.
So are there any names to watch? Yes. Two came up. “Grant Delpit and Isaiah Wilson.”
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If true, Chicago Bears are sticking to their guns
There are a number of benefits to moving up. While obviously it would cost the Bears yet more future draft picks, it would also potentially land them a true difference-maker for their team. Also, it would allow them to secure a player who has a 5th-year option built into their rookie contract. Something that can be quite valuable if the player ends up panning out.
As to the names mentioned? Both fit the Pace wheelhouse perfectly. He loves athletes with huge physical upside. Not to mention players from Georgia. Two of his four 1st round picks hail from that school. Both Wilson and Delpit fit his typical profile. Here is what top expert Dan Brugler had to say about them in his outstanding 2020 NFL Draft Guide.
Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
“A traits-based prospect, Wilson is built with a girthy frame, long arms and enough quickness to make it difficult for rushers to get around him. While he creates movement with play strength and a mean streak, he doesn’t consistently win with his hands and his fundamentals have yet to catch up with his natural skill, leaving him laboring and leaning.”
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
“With his football IQ and athleticism, Delpit is quick to trigger vs. the pass and the run, trusting his keys and never second guessing himself. He often arrives too hot as a tackler and his overaggressive angles and poor finishing skills dent his batting average (there is no question that he was banged up in 2019 and how much that affected his production and performance is open to interpretation).”
When both players are executing properly, their talents are undeniable. They have Pro Bowl ceilings. Wilson fits something the Bears need more of which is attitude and run blocking power. Delpit has the aggressive mentality of a strong safety. Adding him would enable Eddie Jackson to play his more traditional free safety spot.
They certainly fit what the Bears want. Whether Pace actually goes up to get one of them or somebody else? This won’t be known until the draft kicks off on April 23rd.
