Sometimes, it might be possible to gauge what a team thinks from how they assemble their pre-draft meetings. A pattern has started to develop for the Chicago Bears that is at least worth noting. Justin Melo of The Draft Network provided multiple recent updates on players the team is meeting with. Two things stood out almost immediately. All three of the players work in the trenches. Two were defensive linemen, and the other was an offensive tackle. That by itself shouldn’t be a surprise.
What’s interesting is that all three players are considered either Day 3 draft picks or undrafted free agents. Such a trend suggests the Bears might not be planning to address either area of the roster earlier in the draft. That means they are satisfied with the work done over the past week in free agency to shore up the lines with Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, Grady Jarrett, and Dayo Odeyingbo. Their focus could be at other positions, be it running back, safety, tight end, or even wide receiver.
The Chicago Bears might be playing the board.
Most experts believe the strength of this draft class lay at running back and tight end. NFL.com rates Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Penn State’s Tyler Warren as the top two prospects this year. Both could be available to the Bears at #10 overall. There was no way they could justify taking either player unless they worked hard to overhaul the lines this month. That mission was accomplished. Now, they have the latitude to take either player if they wish.
This doesn’t mean the Chicago Bears will completely ignore the lines early in the draft. They have three picks on day two, and at least one of them is bound to go that route. Head coach Ben Johnson said his goal was to stack the depth chart as much as possible, understanding the need for good depth. The Bears seem fully prepared to add as many cheap pieces as possible in hopes of finding hidden gems.
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I’d still like to see them unload Swift on someone since Coach Johnson moved him out in Detroit. Honestly not sure if he has any market, but if it’s there I’d like to see them give Coach Johnson RBs he wants, rather than trying to make it work with ones he inherits.
Saquon Barkley was drafted #2 overall, Bijan Robinson #8 overall, and Jahmyr Gibbs #12 overall. I’m not sure Jeanty will make it to #10.
Braxton still needs a backup. RB and S are two other needs. Prospect rankings are all over the place. A 10, 39 and 41 should land an Emmanwori, Judkins, Simmons (pending knee).
Knowing Coach Johnson considering his most recent success, the position I believe they target has to be running back. We acquired starters on both lines, we just need depth for those positions at this point, I’d have to put my money on the running back position being the target.
My faves: (1) DE Abdul, (2) RB Jeanty, (3) LB Jihaad, (4) S Emmanwori, (5) RB Hampton.