With three weeks left until the NFL draft begins, most people believe the Chicago Bears’ likely approach is clear. They have three picks in the first two rounds. Expectations are those selections will go to one of four possible positions: running back, left tackle, defensive line, and safety. Each of those areas has clear question marks either in the starting lineup or immediate depth. It merely depends on how the board falls. Tight end could also be in play simply because the options in the 1st round are so good.
However, the vital thing to remember is this isn’t the same regime from the past two years. Ben Johnson and his coaching staff are a major wild card that people seem reluctant to factor in. It’s possible he and his coordinators may see perceived positions of strength as not strong enough. One of those is wide receiver. After months of seeing no mention of the Bears taking one early in this draft, that has changed significantly. Field Yates of ESPN brought it up in his latest mock draft.
39. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
As the Bears look for one more playmaker to maximize Ben Johnson’s offense, they could turn to the ever-reliable Egbuka in Round 2. He set the Ohio State record for catches (205) and is a great route runner.
That by itself isn’t worth overreacting.
However, insider Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog fanned those flames as well in a recent column when he mentioned wide receiver as a position to watch.
(3) Wide Receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus can play. Call me crazy but I think Tyler Scott has value. But we are seeing, every year, wide receivers from throughout the draft make immediately contributions in the sport. The Bears can target that position with one of these picks and not only find a starter, but a star.
One must also not overlook the way Johnson spoke about the importance of the slot receiver position in his offense. While Zaccheaus has shown he can handle that job, nobody would confuse him for being a star. If the right name comes up on day two of the draft, it feels as if the Bears will pounce.
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The Chicago Bears have quietly been looking into wide receivers.
They’ve already had a top-30 visit with Texas standout Isaiah Bond and have kept a close eye on ascending Iowa State talent Jaylin Noel. They also showed clear interest in Xavier Restrepo of Miami, widely considered one of the best slot receivers in this class. Nobody debates that D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze will be a formidable tandem moving forward, but smart teams should always be looking to stack positions with as much talent as possible, and wide receiver is a huge one. It’s not a coincidence Cincinnati led the league in passing last year. They were loaded with J’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas. While wide receiver may not be the most pressing need for the Bears, it doesn’t sound like they’re content to live with what they have.
I actually had a pretty lengthy conversation with GM Ben Johnson’s dog this morning around the breakfast bowl and he did confirm that the Bears’ new draft strategy is to clean out this draft draft class of every player that other teams have shown interest in. He also made it woof… I mean clear, that the other 9 teams in front of the Bears are refusing to trade back under any scenario.
If the rest of the NFL hopes to get their guy they better be prepared to give up some serious picks, and a ham bone for some reason.
Feel free to chime in, @Bears57.
WR 3 is not really up for grabs anymore. It’s Zaccaious’ job to lose because he was brought in for his specific skill of blocking. on top of being a playmaker.
@Dr. Sallie, I wrote something similar about DJ when Ben was hired. We know that WR’s are given more latitude with their behavior, but DJ walked off the field when Caleb was running for his life. That kind of stuff won’t be allowed. People still have reservations about Stevenson, rightfully so, effort can never be something you’re accused of lacking. Can’t give effort for 9 plays then walk off the field or skip around and taunt the fans on the10th. I’m sure they’ve already been talked to by Ben and the pos coaches already. I’m willing to turn the page… Read more »
I absolutely agree, wink wink, nudge nudge. CHI is set to take WRs at 1.10, 2.39, and 2.41.
I have it ON RECORD from several ANONYMOUS SOURCES inside HALAS HALL.
This is REAL INFORMATION. I am NEVER WRONG on here.
Any team that needs a WR better TRADE THE FUCK UP to get him!