Thursday, March 28, 2024

An Important Ryan Pace Draft Lesson That People Keep Ignoring

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For weeks draft experts have though they have it all figured out. They know who the Chicago Bears will likely take at #3 overall. To this point the most popular name listed is Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. Others have pinpointed LSU safety Jamal Adams. Though both players are proven producers who are considered among the safest picks in this class, there is one inescapable reality about them.

They don’t fit the Ryan Pace first round mold. One thing that has stood out above all else over his two previous drafts is that the Bears GM operates with a specific methodology. It starts with what he does in the first round. Put simply: he targets standout athletes. Players who have freaky physical ability that have a chance to become great at the pro level. It was true of Kevin White in 2015 and again with Leonard Floyd in 2016.

So in truth the scouting combine is probably the event to watch, at least when it comes to the potential top 10 prospects. One will want to pinpoint the names who excelled in the drills, showcasing not only their athletic skill but also long-term potential at the NFL level. That is what Pace seems to favor in a first round pick. A hard-working, physically gifted young man who may just need some coaching to take off.

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