The first round of the NFL draft is over. Now the real fun begins for the Chicago Bears. They have two picks near the top of the second round. That means GM Ryan Poles has a golden opportunity to land two productive players for his roster. They already have Colston Loveland in tow. He will give them more firepower in the passing game. Maybe the Bears continue the assault on offense with a running back or a tackle. Maybe they go after some defensive line help. Everything is still on the table.
Despite a frantic past few hours, the board is still littered with several talented players ahead of Friday evening. Landing two of them would instantly make the team better. Here are the ones to keep an eye on once things kick off.
The Chicago Bears are in great shape.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
If the Bears are looking for a D’Andre Swift replacement, this is it. He’s a home run hitter with speed and agility while also being a terrific pass protector.
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Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
Outside-zone is a central part of Ben Johnson’s offense. They need a running back with vision, patience, and acceleration. Few exemplify that more than the Hawkeyes star.
Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
The slot receiver is also a key part of Johnson’s system. Many have compared Burden to Amon-Ra St. Brown due to his route-running and YAC ability. It is such a natural fit.
Aireontae Ersery (OT, Minnesota)
The last notable left tackle in this class. He’s a hulking mammoth at 6’6, 330 lbs with good feet and power. He isn’t a premier athlete, but he is capable enough to line up against any type of edge rusher.
Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
A heat-seeking missile that finds the football. He has incredible instincts and a strong tackling technique. On top of that, he is a weapon in coverage.
Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
He dominated his final season of college with 17 sacks and then dominated the Super Bowl. He is fast, fluid, athletic, and deceptively powerful for his average size. He also has character concerns.
Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Outstanding pass rush instincts mixed with natural skill for the job. He bends the edge really well and has closing speed. Can the Chicago Bears overlook his smaller frame at 63, 250 lbs?
Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M)
His teammate Shemar Stewart may have been the first guy taken, but Scourton was the more productive player. He has good length, power, and a high motor to finish.
JT Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)
If we’re talking the guy with a Dennis Allen profile? That is Tuimoloau. He is 6’5, 265 lbs, boasts plenty of power, and showcased clear growth last season with 12 sacks.
Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
The Bears need to find a young interior pass rusher. Alexander’s explosive quickness to shoot gaps with hand technique makes it difficult to slow him down.
