Wild Card Players Chicago Bears Could Shockingly Pick In 1st Round

If there is one thing to remember about the Chicago Bears, it’s they have a bad habit of pulling surprises in the 1st round with their picks. They go with players several experts and fans didn’t see coming. Mitch Trubisky was the most recent example in 2017. It was also true of Shea McClellin in 2012 and Cedric Benson in 2005. Surprises can sometimes be a good thing, but rarely for this team. People already have an idea of who GM Ryan Poles will target when he goes on the clock at #9 overall.

The heavy favorites include offensive tackles Paris Johnson and Broderick Jones, defensive ends Tyree Wilson and Lukas Van Ness, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba may also be a possibility. However, several other players on the fringe could be involved. Here are some sleeper names the Bears may surprise us with and why.

Chicago Bears may have a swerve in mind.

Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)

Remember that the Bears have consistently discussed what they look for in players. They value size and length. Athleticism is big too. This is where Smith creates a conundrum. He’s a freak athlete. He has 4.39 speed and a 41.5 vertical jump as an edge rusher. That explosiveness shows on tape too. The problem is he’s 6’2, 238 lbs, and has arms under 33 inches long. Those all fall short of the Bears’ criteria for defensive ends. He won’t have the mass or power to hold him in the run game. That is a big deal in this defense, given how important setting the edge is at defensive end. Are the Bears willing to sacrifice that for Smith’s obvious potential as a speed rusher?

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)

Modern draft wisdom says it’s never wise to draft a running back in the 1st round. Players at that position wear out fast in the NFL. Most don’t see any significant success beyond their 30th birthday. Not to mention it’s not viewed as a premium position because the league has become far more pass-oriented. Still, sometimes a player comes along that is so unique that you can’t help but take notice. Robinson has everything you could want. He’s big, strong, quick, fast, runs with great vision, and has patient feet. He can do anything on the field. He already draws comparisons to Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley. The Bears are a team built around running the ball. Imagine what Justin Fields could do with him in the backfield.

Calijah Kancey (DT, Pitt)

The three-technique position is the most important in the Chicago Bears defense. It is the interior pass rusher spot. Until they find somebody who can fill it, this scheme won’t function at a high level. Remember, they always talk about size and length up front. Yet the best interior pass rusher based solely on tape and stats is Kancey. He has a natural ability to shoot gaps and create havoc in the backfield. There is one problem. He’s 6’0 tall, well under 300 lbs, and has 30-inch arms. He’s small by NFL standards. It presents the same issue as Smith. Kancey might be a liability against the run. The Bears would have to sacrifice that in hopes he’d remain a dominant interior pass rusher at the pro level.

Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)

Many experts point to the tight ends when discussing where the true strength of talent is in this class. It is a deep group with loads of athletic upside. Thanks to his size, speed, and pass-catching prowess, Kincaid has people excited. He’s drawing comparisons to former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Zach Ertz. While Poles has been nothing but complimentary of Cole Kmet, it’s worth noting the tight end is in the last year of his rookie deal. He also doesn’t possess the receiving prowess the Bears GM is accustomed to seeing. He watched Tony Gonzalez and Travis Kelce in Kansas City. Kincaid is more of that style of player.

Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)

Poles has repeatedly said that cornerback is one of his four premium positions. Yes, the Bears already took a cornerback last year with their first pick in Kyler Gordon. However, that was in the 2nd round. Also, Jaylon Johnson is in the last year of his contract. He is no guarantee to stick around. Gonzalez is the most toolsy corner in this class. He’s 6’1, 197 lbs, and brings 4.39 speed. He can play man coverage on any receiver he lines up against. While his technique and instincts could use more work, the building blocks are there for a legitimate shutdown corner this franchise hasn’t seen in many years.