With 2019 thankfully at an end, the process of preparing for 2020. Like always, much of what happens in the coming months will depend on the Chicago Bears draft approach. Without a 1st round pick next year, GM Ryan Pace knows he has to make every pick count this coming April. Especially the two 2nd rounders he’ll have. Now that the regular season is at an end, the team has learned where those two picks will be placed.
With their win over the Vikings in Minnesota, the Bears’ 2nd round choice will sit at the 50th slot. As for the second, the one they got in the Khalil Mack trade from Oakland, that rose up to the 43rd spot courtesy of the Raiders’ last-second loss in Denver to the Broncos. Oakland actually ended up losing five of their last six games. A nice little New Years gift for a Chicago team that needs every little advantage they can get.
Gaining the 43rd pick puts the Bears at least a little closer to the bottom of the 1st round, increasing their chances of securing players who probably should’ve gone in the top 32 but for whatever reason slip through the cracks. Historically that spot has yielded some quality talents including Roman Harper, Corey Dillon, Benardrick McKinney, and Kyle Rudolph. The 50th has had a few standouts as well. None more so than stud defensive lineman Calaise Campbell.
Chicago Bears must hope Pace can do better this time
For his part, Pace has only made one pick in his tenure that fell between the 43rd and 50th spots. That came in 2017 when he selected Adam Shaheen 45th overall. Not exactly an exciting vote of confidence for the GM considering Shaheen is easily his biggest bust outside of the 1st round. If he ever wanted to overcome that stink, producing a couple of solid talents this spring would be a great way to do it.
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Given the fact that his job will be on the line is additional motivation. Pace has now seen five of his six seasons end without a playoff trip. His greatest gamble in Mitch Trubisky looks like a failure. Time is running out for him to finally get this team over the hump and into the Super Bowl conversation. Everybody can see 2020 has to deliver a winning season. Otherwise, he and the rest of the hierarchy will be moved aside for the next guys in line.
