Part of being successful in the NFL draft is luck. General managers need to have good evaluations, sure. However, sometimes, the good fortune of timing and mistakes by other teams drops a really good player into your lap. The Chicago Bears have been the beneficiary of these moments from time to time. It was shocking they managed to land Brian Urlacher with the 9th pick in 2000 and Greg Olsen with the 31st pick in 2007. GM Ryan Poles would argue he got some of that good fortune when Rome Odunze fell to the Bears at #9 last year. Time will tell on that.
Now it appears some in the draft community think Poles might have another shocking twist coming his way. According to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, there is serious momentum for the possibility that disruptive Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham might slip down the board. Most have him as one of the top five prospects in this class based on his excellent tape. However, despite his obvious ability to create havoc in the backfield, his average size, length and power have many nervous about taking him that high.
Ryan Poles could totally change his defensive front with Graham.
As of now, the Bears don’t have a true gap-shooter for their defensive line. Gervon Dexter may play that role at three-technique, but he doesn’t have the quickness or lower body explosion needed for it. Graham does. He was a nightmare for opponents to deal with during Michigan’s national championship run. His performance against Ohio State helped spark their march to the title. Despite having just 3.5 sacks, he was credited with 34 pressures last season. That is insane disruption for a defensive tackle.
Often, the smart thing to do for any GM is don’t overthink it. If you’re certain you are getting a good player, even if he may not have elite physical traits, take him. The NFL is littered with standout performers who were never the cream of the crop in the athleticism department. Graham is another of those types. He has enough to do the job. If Ryan Poles can somehow grab him with the 10th pick, the Bears defense instantly becomes far tougher to deal with.
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