Draft Prospects The Bears and Ryan Pace May Trade Up For
If there’s one thing GM Ryan Pace has become known for during his tenure with the Chicago Bears, it would be his fearlessness. The guy does not wither from the idea of being aggressive, especially during the NFL draft. Of the eight trades he has made during a draft since 2015, five of them were moves up the board to grab a player he coveted.
This resulted in the Bears landing Leonard Floyd, Nick Kwiatkoski, Mitch Trubisky, Eddie Jackson and Anthony Miller. The results thus far have been pretty damn good. Trubisky and Jackson are Pro Bowlers. Floyd has been a decent pass rusher. Miller scored seven touchdowns as a rookie. Pace clearly values quality over quantity in the draft.
Despite only having five picks this year, is it possible that not even this will hold the Bears back from being aggressive? One can never count out the possibility. So here is a look at a small handful of prospects that they could make a move for if the opportunity presents.
Josh Jacobs (RB, Alabama)
It’s no secret the Bears will go into the draft with everybody expecting them to target a running back. Jordan Howard is gone. Matt Nagy has made his state that he wants to go out and get his guy. If there were one back in this class who fits everything he looks for, it’s Josh Jacobs. Despite not getting a ton of carries at Alabama, he did a ton with the ones he got.
His mixture of power, elusiveness, vision, quickness, and pass-catching prowess make for exactly what the Bears are looking for. The question isn’t about fit. It’s about whether he’ll even fall to a point where they can even consider moving up. Some view him as a possible 1st round pick but looks like more of a high 2nd. If he slips to the bottom? Don’t count Pace out.
Jace Sternberger (TE, Texas A&M)
Make no mistake. Nagy is not done searching for the players he wants at other positions too. He got the Bears to sign Taylor Gabriel because he saw Tyreek Hill. Thus far the search continues for his Travis Kelce as well. Trey Burton is not that type of player. Adam Shaheen isn’t living up to that mantle either. There is still time, but it’s running short.
Jace Sternberger is one of the better receiving tight ends in this class. He has a good frame in terms of size and is known for his sharp route running and strong hands. He won’t win awards for speed or blocking, but he can be a consistent problem for linebackers and safeties trying to cover him. Somebody who can be good for 60 catches a year.
Chase Winovich (OLB, Michigan)
One thing about the Bears is they always covet players who display maniacal work ethics. Players who lead both by word and by example. Chase Winovich is exactly their sort of guy. A defensive end at Michigan who played every snap like his hair was on fire. He made plays in the backfield constantly and is a better athlete than he gets credit for.
Though the Bears just signed Aaron Lynch to another one-year deal, they still need more long-term stability at outside linebacker. Especially with Leonard Floyd’s contract coming into focus. Winovich could fill that #3 role easily and would be a possible option to succeed Floyd if the Bears decided to move on down the road.
Justin Layne (CB, Michigan State)
Cornerback is arguably the most important position in a 3-4 defense because they’re asked to live on an island in man coverage so often. The Bears have good ones in place with Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara, but that won’t last forever. Amukamara could end up being a cap casualty in 2020. It would be ideal if the team had somebody ready and waiting to step in.
Justin Layne has quietly established himself as one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. Somebody with size, quickness, and athleticism who can play man coverage. Chuck Pagano would look upon somebody like him and instantly see a quality starter. If he somehow slips outside the top 50, the Bears would have good reason to take a shot.