It seems when Ryan Pace talked about collaboration between him and head coach Matt Nagy, he wasn’t joking. The Chicago Bears GM stepped in front of the media two days before the NFL draft to field questions. Though he didn’t offer any inside information, he still provided some fun details about how their process works. There was one moment that stood out during the session.
Pace was asked whether certain guys were pounding the table for players. Something that can be typical this time of year. How involved is Nagy in the process, if at all? It was then the GM revealed that the head coach is much more involved than people realize. One would think Nagy would be content to focus on his side of the ball. Him being an offensive specialist and all. As it turns out, he puts in work on both sides. Offensive and defense.
In fact, he was one of the bigger advocates to draft Jaylon Johnson last year.
Pace’s admission about some coaches being more involved than others in the scouting process was interesting. Perhaps a subtle nod to Nagy’s predecessor John Fox who was never known for being hands-on when the draft was involved. He’d do meetings and watch some tape but he never seemed like a guy that attacked the process with energy. It seems Nagy is a different animal in that regard.
He no doubt got that mentality from Andy Reid. The Kansas City Chiefs head coach is notorious for being vocal regarding the composition of his roster. At different times during his long career, he had the final say on the roster. One can understand this. A lot of coaches feel they have a good idea of the types of players that will help them win. Perhaps Nagy’s influence is having a positive effect on Pace.
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Has Matt Nagy helped the Bears get more consistent drafting?
During the first three years with Fox in charge, the Bears selected six players who could be deemed solid starters or better.
- Eddie Goldman
- Adrian Amos
- Cody Whitehair
- Jordan Howard
- Eddie Jackson
- Tarik Cohen
Since 2018 when Nagy took over that job, it seems the Bears have gained a greater degree of consistency.
- Roquan Smith
- James Daniels
- Bilal Nichols
- David Montgomery
- Jaylon Johnson
- Darnell Mooney
Keep in mind Matt Nagy managed this with only one 1st round pick while Fox enjoyed three, all in the top 10. So he’s gotten far more bang for his buck. This should offer encouragement for what the Bears have planned in this upcoming draft. He and Pace seem to make a good team. Their different perspectives feeding off each other.
Can that lead to the ultimate prize of a good quarterback?
This is what fans eagerly await the answer to. It isn’t a secret the two men have left the door wide open for a move at QB. A one-year deal for Andy Dalton. Rumors of possibly trading Nick Foles. The rampant speculation of Chicago hoping to make a jump up the board in the 1st round. If Nagy was as passionate as he was landing Johnson. One can only imagine how fired up he’ll get at the position he knows best.
