The Chicago Bears aren’t acquiring talent for the simple fact they have lots of ability. Some teams might do that, but not this one. GM Ryan Poles has operated with a clear plan in mind. He wants talented players, yes. However, he also wants ones that fit what the Bears want to do offensively and defensively. Everybody wants players that transcend scheme. Poles is no different. However, such players are rare. When they aren’t available, the smart thing is to find those that fit your system.
That leads to the obvious question of which names in this class fit what the Bears are looking for. I did some digging and found several names that stood out. Not all of them are likely 1st or 2nd round picks. Some might be available later on but could end up being a big contributor because of how the team will use them.
The Chicago Bears will like what they see in these players.
Zacch Pickens (DT, South Carolina)
The three-technique is the driving force of Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 defense. An interior pass rusher is vital to its success. That player must be long, athletic, and show the necessary burst to shoot gaps into the backfield. Pickens never got many chances to do that in South Carolina’s scheme, but based on tape and testing, it’s obvious that he has the ideal body type and skill set. When allowed to attack, he gets disruption. While he may never be a star, he should still be a great contributor to this defense.
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Lukas Van Ness (DE, Iowa)
If you were going to carve a classic 4-3 defensive end out of granite, they’d use Van Ness as a model. He is 6’5, 270 lbs, and has 34-inch arms. His body is well-proportioned and boasts significant power in both the upper and lower halves. If that weren’t enough, he is also quite athletic for his size. The only thing holding him back is a rudimentary array of techniques. If he can diversify his rush plans, Van Ness could be a devastating presence on the edge for a decade.
Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina)
Cornerbacks in a Tampa-2 defense must have two primary qualities. They must be physical against the run and must be able to generate takeaways. Smith possesses both. He has the size and length Eberflus looks for, has excellent recognition skills in zone coverage, and frequently gets his hands on the football. His steady tackling prowess also allows him to limit yards after the catch. There are some penalty issues he needs to clean up. Still, the Chicago Bears couldn’t ask for a more natural fit.
Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
The outside-zone scheme is very particular when it comes to the types of offensive linemen it requires. They must be intelligent, quick, and mobile. This is because they often have to get out on the move, picking off different defensive linemen or linebackers, depending on the call. There is a reason the Bears were so comfortable starting Braxton Jones last year. It’s because he perfectly fits the profile. Broderick Jones is the same way. He’s big, long, and supremely athletic. He is adept at picking off defenders at will when on the move.
Travis Dye (RB, USC)
It’s not about size or speed with outside-zone running backs. They require two different qualities. They must have good vision to identify where the holes will be and have the decisiveness and acceleration to get through them. That is why Khalil Herbert was so lethal last season. He’s a perfect fit. So is Dye. While injuries slowed him last season, his vision, patience, and slashing ability are tailor-made for a wide-zone system. The best part is the Bears can likely get him later in the draft.
Josh Whyle (TE, Cincinnati)
The H-back is one of the most valued positions in a wide-zone offense that rarely gets any attention. These players are basically tight ends who have the added ability to line up at fullback. They can catch passes but also operate as a lead blocker. Owen Daniels is a shining example of this from his time in Houston under Gary Kubiak. Whyle has a similar ability. He’s athletic enough to be a receiving threat but showed versatility at Cincinnati to line up as a fullback. He brings a dimension the Bears are lacking.
