Contrary to popular belief, Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy won’t spend every waking moment trying to see how they can get Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson to Chicago. They both have other important business to attend to. Some major events that take on increased importance this year are school pro days. With the loss of the scouting combine, pro days will be teams’ only real opportunities to see prospect live in person.
So it would make sense both Pace and Nagy would want to get looks at certain names they could end up drafting this April. The Bears though are always good about keeping their intentions under wraps for the most part. However, Charlie Campbell of Walter Football revealed through his college sources that the two men will be in attendance on Tuesday for the Northwestern pro day.
Not a huge shock given its proximity to Halas Hall.
Per sources, some evaluators at Northwestern pro day to watch OL Rashawn Slater, CB Greg Newsome, and QB Peyton Ramsey include:
Raiders GM Mike Mayock
Bears GM Ryan Pace
Bears HC Matt Nagy
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst
Dolphins HC Brian Flores…
(1/2)— Charlie Campbell (@DraftCampbell) March 8, 2021
That isn’t the only reason though. Northwestern has become a strong program in recent years under the guidance of head coach Pat Fitzgerald. They’ve started churning out some quality talent to the NFL and this year could end up being their best crop of talent ever. Not one but two prospects have a chance to go in the 1st round. Both of them at positions of need for the Bears.
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The big fish (literally and figuratively) is Rashawn Slater. The Wildcats left tackle was dominant in 2019 and despite opting out of 2020 didn’t seem to lose any of his draft momentum. He’s widely viewed as one of the best tackle prospects in the entire class. Big, strong, athletic, and technically sound. A day one starter. The other is Greg Newsome who was the star of a great Northwestern defense. He has the athletic tools, plays physical,ly and is disciplined with all of his assignments.
Pace and Nagy are right to be interested in attending this pro day.
Chicago Bears seem focused on the offensive line
This has been evident from the few rumors floating around regarding the draft since January. They met with every notable blocking prospect at the Senior Bowl and have likely had Zoom calls with several others. This pro day visit is just further validation that they could be planning a youth infusion at the tackle position. One that is long overdue.
It is made even clearer since the team elected to part ways with veteran right tackle Bobby Massie. After missing the final two months of 2020, his contract had become too expensive for the Chicago Bears salary cap to retain. With him gone and Germain Ifedi also a free agent, there is a considerable void at one of their tackle spots. The draft would be an appealing solution since it would be cheap.
Slater could make for a tremendous addition.
Whether he’ll be there at #20 is the bigger question. Draft experts seem to think he will likely go early. Likely the top 10-12. If he somehow fell to the Bears? That would be an easy decision for them. Unless they have their heart set on a quarterback. Slater could take over at right tackle immediately and end up replacing Charles Leno on the left side down the line. Just another reminder of how fluid this offseason could be.
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