The Chicago Bears are one week away from starting the 2021 season in Los Angeles. Nobody is even thinking about the 2022 NFL draft. They want to see how this team looks. The same can’t be said for the Bears scouting department. Their lives are always focused on the future. Finding that next batch of talent that can help this organization finally win that elusive Super Bowl.
It seems they’re already hard at work with the college football season kicking off. Some of their number was spotted at the big showdown between Notre Dame and Florida State. Two traditional powers long known for producing terrific NFL talent. The Bears would know. Both programs have done well for them in the past. So who might they be looking at for next April?
NFL teams with scouts in Tallahassee tonight:
Bears, Bills, Bucs, Chargers, Colts, Dolphins, Eagles, Falcons, Giants, Jaguars, Jets, Panthers, Saints, Texans, Vikings and the 49ers.
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) September 5, 2021
Draft prospects the Chicago Bears are likely watching
Notre Dame
S Kyle Hamilton
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This is a due diligence evaluation for the Bears because there is no way they’ll be able to draft Hamilton. Most evaluators agree he is the best safety in the 2022 draft and maybe the best to come out of college since Eric Berry. He is the total package. Size, speed, instinct, and ball skills. Coming from the same program that produced Harrison Smith? It would take divine intervention for him to reach Chicago in the 2nd round.
Quality work from Notre Dame LG Dillan Gibbons (76) here on his combo block with Jarrett Patterson and then puts the LB in the dirt. pic.twitter.com/pj171XMfjt
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) October 14, 2020
OL Jarrett Patterson
Everybody knows the Irish have consistently produced good offensive linemen under Brad Kelly. The Bears can attest to this. Sam Mustipher and Alex Bars were a huge part of their offensive turnaround late last season. Both were teammates at Notre Dame. Patterson though is a league above them. He was one of the top centers in the country last year, displaying a mix of athleticism, leverage, and underrated strength. His shift to guard this year only adds to his value as a versatile player.
EDGE Isaiah Foskey
Anybody who watches Foskey can see the physical talent. Big, strong, and athletic. He shifted to defensive end as a freshman from tight end and has steadily worked his way into the lineup. He had 4.5 sacks in 2020 and is poised for a huge jump this year. With the Chicago Bears getting old on the edge between Khalil Mack (30) and Robert Quinn (31), they have to start thinking about a youth infusion.
Florida State
EDGE Jermaine Johnson
Most would call him a “ball of clay.” That means a ridiculously talented athlete who hasn’t seen the light go on just yet. Johnson has plenty of tools as a pass rusher from size to quickness, athleticism, and length. When he chooses to get violent, he can beat almost any blocker in front of him. The problem some have with his is poor instincts and play recognition. Not to mention below-average snap anticipation. These are things he must improve.
This has to feel like running into a brick wall. Good stop by @AmariGainer .#PITTvsFSU pic.twitter.com/mkp8GTbl2n
— NoleGIFs (@NoleGIFs) November 7, 2020
LB Amari Gainer
Age is also becoming a factor for the Bears at linebacker too. Roquan Smith is their future. Danny Trevathan though is in his 30s and dealing with injuries. Alec Ogletree will be 30 soon as well. The team doesn’t have a definitive wingman for Smith beyond 2021. Gainer has the template to become just that. Good size, good speed, long for a linebacker and has the footwork and burst to shoot gaps. His team has moved him around a lot, which may have impacted his lacking instincts. It will be interesting to see how he handles just one position.
TE Camren McDonald
He looks the part of a modern NFL tight end. Tall, athletic, sleek, and boasting the necessary speed and hands to be a viable weapon in the passing game. Unfortunately he’s stuck at a program that continues to have quarterback problems. So he hasn’t been able to showcase his talents properly. Even so, he was the third-leading receiver for them in 2020 and should only get better this year. If the Seminoles wise up and throw him the football more.