The Chicago Bears already yielded great results from their trade for Khalil Mack last year. He delivered 12.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and a pick-six along with an All-Pro nod in 2018. The best part is that the deal may not be done benefitting the team. GM Ryan Pace somehow finagled two extra picks from the Oakland Raiders including their 2nd round choice in 2020. This gives the Bears two in that round. A nice consolation prize for not having their 1st rounder.
The question moving forward is determining where that pick will end up. This depends on how the Raiders finish their 2019 season. If they perform well, the pick will sit towards the bottom of the 2nd round. However, if they struggle again this season then the Bears could end up being towards the top of the round. This would present an excellent opportunity for Pace to secure a player with top 32 talent.
According to ESPN’s latest projections, the Bears may be in luck. It seems confidence (and the math) aren’t in favor of the Raiders having a good year.
5. Oakland Raiders
Projected record: 6-10
Average draft position: 9.2
FPI chance to earn No. 1 pick: 7.9%
FPI chance to earn top-five pick: 37.2%Stat to know: Since winning the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2002, Jon Gruden has reached the playoffs only twice in seven seasons and has lost both of his postseason games in that span. Among 23 coaches with at least 100 games coached since 2003, Gruden’s .438 win percentage ranks second worst, ahead of only that of Ken Whisenhunt.
Chicago Bears could be sitting pretty on Day 2 next year
If those projections are true and the Raiders end up with the 5th overall pick, the Bears would be in excellent shape. Based on recent drafts, this could land them anywhere between the 37th and 40th picks in the 2nd round. This area of the draft has yielded some really good football players in recent years. Here are a few notable names:
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- T.J. Ward
- Xavien Howard
- Mitchell Schwartz
- Chris Jones
- Jabaal Sheard
Oh and also two young men named Eddie Goldman and James Daniels. Both of whom have become quality starters for the Bears. It’s safe to say Pace has a pretty good eye for talent in that area of the draft. There’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be primed to strike again if the Raiders cooperate as hoped. One thing is for sure. Pace’s trade for Mack could be labeled one of the greatest in Bears history were this to happen.
