The Chicago Bears are in a bit of a tough position with no 1st round pick. Though they have two 2nd rounders, they were going to need a few things to break their way. Based on how things went in the first 32 picks on Thursday night, GM Ryan Pace should have a good opportunity to add two immediate contributors to his roster on Friday.
There were plenty of surprises, many of them coming in the second half of the 1st round. This included the Raiders taking a corner who was ranked 13th at his position by NFL.com. Green Bay grabbed Aaron Rodgers’ apparent successor in trading up for Jordan Love. The Kansas City Chiefs also did Chicago a favor by taking a running back.
There are some quality players at positions of need still available and the odds are favorable at least one or two of them will drop to #43 tomorrow night. Here is a list of names to watch.
Chicago Bears draft targets who can help immediately
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, USC)
A big kid at 6’4. He is the epitome of what teams look for in receivers with sizes. He plays physical, can go up and get it and is especially dangerous in the red zone. Some might see him as slower but he’s fast for his size and is a better route runner than he gets credit for.
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Lloyd Cushenberry (OL, LSU)
He’s a bit of a rarity in that he’s a guard who has good length. Cushenberry is also a solid athlete for his size, able to move well in pass protection. He has plenty of strength for the run game and a nice jolt of nastiness. He can also play either guard or center, so he’s versatile too.
Lucas Niang (OT, TCU)
The term “dancing bear” is often used to describe giant tackles who can move. This fits Niang. He moves so well for his size, showing fluid footwork and strong hands. Pass protection is solid. If not for an untimely torn labrum, he’d have gone in the 1st round.
Zack Baun (OLB, Wisconsin)
A lot of draft experts compare Baun to Clay Matthews. He’s cat-quick with tremendous athleticism and versatility. He can play outside linebacker and rush the quarterback from a variety of angles. Or he can play inside if needed. He’s that diverse. A little undersized.
Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)
The exit of Prince Amukamara has left a void at cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller. Diggs is the brother of former Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs and helped Alabama win a national championship. He’s big, long, athletic, and tailor-made for a press system the Bears want to run.
Xavier McKinney (S, Alabama)
It was a mild surprise McKinney didn’t go in the 1st. He’s viewed by most as the best safety in the class. His size, instincts, intelligence and athleticism made him a Swiss army knife for the Crimson Tide defense. He can play corner, free safety, or strong safety depending on situation and have success.
