Could it be a ruse? Of course. This is Ryan Pace we’re talking about. Misdirection is something he’s embraced since he became Chicago Bears GM. At the same time, it’s also worth noting something. Pace has drafted one cornerback since he took over. One. Uno. That was Deiondre Hall in 2016 and he’s since been moved to safety. Thus far the only notable corner Pace has added who wasn’t a veteran free agent was Bryce Callahan, and he was undrafted.
In truth, people shouldn’t be so surprised the Bears are hunting the corner market in this draft class. They’ve already met a number of top prospects. That includes Denzel Ward of Ohio State and Mike Hughes of UCF among others. This after they attempted to sign former Pro Bowler Malcolm Butler in free agency at $10 million a year.
So it’s safe to say they’re still hunting more help at cornerback and may plan to jump on it early in the draft. This was further rammed home when news surfaced that they’re meeting with yet another one of the biggest names who will be available.
Chicago Bears add Isaiah Oliver of Colorado to meeting list
Isaiah Oliver has a large fanbase in the scouting and draftnik communities. With good reason too. He’s quietly been one of the more consistent corners in college football over the past two years. He has three interceptions and 19 passes defended over that span. Not only that but he features the kind of big body, long arms and athletic traits that Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio covets.
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Isaiah Oliver has had workouts/visits with: Eagles, Falcons, Bears, Texans, 49ers, Cardinals, Panthers, Patriots, Saints, Broncos and Cowboys per sources. Really like the Arizona connection for him.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 11, 2018
Oliver comes from a deep football background. His father played corner in the NFL for five seasons. His uncle was a wide receiver. This is something he was born to do. The athletic traits are all there and he flashes the sort of capability that could make for a future lockdown corner the Bears can put on any receiver they wish.
After seeing what Fangio did with Kyle Fuller, it makes the idea of taking Oliver that much more exciting. Current projections have him going high in the second round. The Bears hold the #39 pick in that range. So if they do indeed covet Oliver, that’s the likely spot where they’d get him. Together with Fuller and Prince Amukamara that could make for a formidable secondary. Especially if they find a way to bolster their pass rush as well.
Only the Bears know what they’ll do.
