Matt Nagy just concluded a session with the media down in Orlando. When he was asked who the Chicago Bears might consider early in the draft, he called them crazy for thinking he’d offer any sort of information on that. A good answer and a standard one to be expected from an organization run by Ryan Pace, a man who’s become a notorious black ops specialist when it comes to draft season.
That said, it doesn’t mean the Bears are flawless when it comes to not showing their hand on certain prospects who likely won’t be their first pick. With Nagy around it’s a virtual certainty they’ll be looking at top offensive prospects in this class, including some of the wide receivers and offensive linemen.
In fact, there may be one name that is quietly high on their list. Somebody Pace has had his eye on for quite some time that would be an excellent fit in the new Nagy offense were the Bears to draft him.
Chicago Bears are quietly enamored with A&M receiver Christian Kirk
Last year Pace attended the Texas A&M pro day to get a close look at top pass rusher Myles Garrett. It was at that point he got his first close look at an undersized receiver named Christian Kirk. Not a lot of people knew his name yet, but it was already becoming clear the young man has game-breaking potential. Fast forward to today and most of the talk surrounding the A&M pro day has to do with the return of Johnny Manziel.
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Johnny Manziel is set to throw for scouts at Texas A&M's pro day today. The QB opened up to @BruceFeldmanCFB after throwing at San Diego's pro day https://t.co/KKewSJ7i9S
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) March 27, 2018
That’s all fine and good for the media, but it’s not the primary reason the Bears reps are there. A source connected to the situation informed me that the brass is eager to see the young wide receiver in action.
“To add to Feldman’s report, yes Manziel is throwing at Texas A&M pro day and the most eye-opening thing is he’s throwing to the guy who the Bears are ‘in love‘ with.”
Possibilities
People tend to make the mistake of thinking Kirk is undersized so he’s limited in his ability. That’s not true at all. The kid is much stronger than he gets credit for, able to frequently break tackles to create extra yardage. He’s got strong hands, runs sharp routes and boasts the kind of deep speed that makes him a constant menace to hit the home run. He forces defenses to constantly shadow him with safeties over the top.
Now try to imagine a player like that on the field with Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel. The possibilities are near limitless. Kirk is unlikely to go early in the first round. No doubt the Bears are hoping he slips into the early second where they might have a shot at getting him. It’s not impossible. Still, Kirk had a strong combine showing. The receiver crop this year is weak. Some team may decide to pounce on him earlier than anticipated.
The Bears will have to wait and see.
