The Chicago Bears have been busy this past week. In addition to making a series of signings for their roster on the free agent market, they’ve had representatives scattered across the country attending college pro days. Ryan Pace was at North Dakota State. Bill Lazor and John DeFilippo were at Alabama. Now it seems they had a strong contingent out west too.
According to NFL Draft Diamonds, the Bears were one of several teams to have the maximum capacity of representatives permitted for the USC pro day. An interesting development. While no names were mentioned, it’s clear Chicago wanted as many eyes as possible on the talent out there. Current projections have as many as seven players being drafted next month.
Mike Mayock and Marty Hurney were both at the USC pro Day today. #Bears #Cardinals #Cowboys #Panthers #Raiders #Steelers and #Washington had three scouts a piece at the event. That is the most you can have at a pro day. Brenston Buckner was at the event for the Cardinals
— NFL Draft Diamonds ™️ (@DraftDiamonds) March 24, 2021
So who were they most likely there to see?
The big name is Alija Vera-Tucker. Most see him as a 1st round lock. A versatile offensive lineman who looked like a future stud at guard but then played really well at left tackle. He might be able to play either but the lack of length makes an inside move more likely. Either way, his pass protection will become an instant benefit to whoever drafts him.
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There is also his offensive teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown. The wide receiver isn’t known for size or speed but his polished route running combined with good hands and body control allow him to make tough catches look routine. He could make a living in the slot for any team.
Another name to watch? Jay Tufele. The Bears tend to love their defensive linemen and this guy is right up their alley. While not overly big or long, he makes up for it with lots of power and the quickness to shoot gaps as an interior pass rusher. He’ll remind people a lot of Bilal Nichols.
Chicago Bears seem heavily focused on offense
Every revelation about where their scouts or top coaches are attending tends to involve programs that are producing a bevy of offensive talent this year. Alabama being one and USC another. The same can be said for North Dakota State and Stanford. It is apparent the organization is determined to get that side of the ball shored up after three pitiful seasons of being carried by the defense.
Andy Dalton is the starting quarterback. If that remains the case, then the goal for the Chicago Bears brass is to surround him with as much help as possible. Both in terms of blocking and weapons. Vera-Tucker and St. Brown would both qualify. Adding Tufele later on would only be more help for the defensive line that is already stacked.
A good reminder they’ll have options even later in the 1st round and beyond.
What everybody will want to know is do they plan to draft a quarterback? Pace has traded up for one before. It feels like the time is right for it to happen again. He’s never taken one outside the 1st round. So if it doesn’t happen, it’s hard to imagine it happening at all. One can safely assume Bears fans won’t take that news too well.