The Chicago Bears are one of the most interesting teams in the top 10 ahead of the NFL draft on Thursday. Nobody can say for sure what their plans are. It could literally go in a dozen different directions. So much depends on how the picks in front of them unfold, particularly between #5 and #7 with the Jaguars, Raiders, and Jets. Ashton Jeanty is the hottest name for obvious reasons. Reports continue to indicate the top brass inside Halas Hall love the idea of pairing the Boise State running back with Ben Johnson’s offense. However, Albert Breer isn’t so sure of that.
In a recent column for the MMQB, he stated that Jeanty is a strong option, to be sure. There is no disputing that. However, everything he’s heard to this point is drifting more towards a continuation of what they did in free agency. They want to keep stacking the trenches.
This is another team that’s been connected to Jeanty, but I’d view a long-term left tackle, if one falls to the Bears, and with Braxton Jones going into a contract year, as just as likely. If Campbell, Banks and Membou are all gone, then another player for new DC Dennis Allen’s front might make sense. It could be an edge to play opposite Montez Sweat—with the initial plan being to have free-agent signee Dayo Odeyingbo move inside plenty on passing downs—or an interior guy to play with, and eventually replace, Grady Jarrett.
This lines up with many of the top 30 visits the Bears conducted over the past month. There were lots of offensive and defensive linemen. Reading between the lines, it feels like if Jeanty doesn’t fall to #10, they are content to take the best line prospect on their board.
Albert Breer has already hinted at their potential options.
The top three offensive tackles are all in play: Will Campbell of LSU, Armand Membou of Missouri, and Kelvin Banks of Texas. Then there are the defensive line options. Chicago met with Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M. He blew up the scouting combine with his elite athletic testing and his profile fits new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. There is also Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, probably the best interior pass rusher in the class. Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams is also a possibility. It is guaranteed that at least one of those six names will be available at #10. More likely two or three. If Albert Breer is correct, it would be wise to have them circled for when the Bears go on the clock, should Jeanty not be out there anymore.
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