The NFL draft is two weeks away. Thus the Chicago Bears draft visits have been going on with ever increasing frequency. According to league rules, they are allowed to have 30 such meetings with prospects. So they must be careful with whom they choose to use one on. The odds say that whomever makes that list of names is somebody the Bears aim to draft.
Don’t believe it? Roquan Smith, James Daniels, and Anthony Miller were all confirmed to have met privately with them last year. It’s clear that GM Ryan Pace normally won’t take a player he hasn’t gotten a firm feel for. Private visits are often the best way to do that.
Two more names have since joined the list for this year. The Bears spent most of their early visits scouring the running back ranks of this draft class. With them out of the way, they’ve begun branching out to other positions. Tight end Jace Sternberger was a recent addition. Now he’s joined by an offensive guard and wide receiver.
Nate Davis and Riley Ridley aren’t lesser name Chicago Bears draft visits
Some people might assume those are just two players the Bears might be thinking about either for late in the draft or maybe even undrafted free agents. That is not the case at all. Both Nate Davis and Riley Ridley are considered among the better players at their respective positions. Definitely names to consider in the 3rd round range.
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Davis was a force at right tackle for Charlotte, showcasing technique, strength, and tenacity. He plays with an edge of nastiness and will likely be switched to guard to cover up his lack of length. Given the uncertain future of Kyle Long, this is something worth noting.
Ridley never put up a ton of yardage at Georgia. He had less than 600 yards his final season there. However, that’s not entirely his fault. They have always been a running program there and he made the most of his opportunities. Some consider him to arguably be the best route runner in this draft.
Given the importance of route running in a West Coast-style offense, it makes sense that the Bears and Matt Nagy would have interest in him. Whether they take him in the 3rd round? That’s up for debate given greater needs at other positions. Still, if he’s the best on the board then they would end up with a good football player.
