The Chicago Bears don’t operate with transparency when it comes to the draft. Why would they? The more they betray to the outside world, the more opposing teams will know about their intentions. That puts them at a disadvantage. This may annoy fans who are craving any sort of information they can get, but it’s the smart approach. GM Ryan Pace isn’t perfect, but he does not run a leaky ship.
That said, it hasn’t stopped insiders from trying to collect any sort of information they can. That is their job after all. Matt Miller of The Draft Scout and ESPN revealed quite a bit of new information via his latest scouting notebook. There were some interesting nuggets to be sure. A possible divide between Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch on which QB to take in San Francisco. Denver possibly aiming to move up for a quarterback. The Giants wanting a top receiver.
So what does he hear regarding the Bears?
“Over the last several weeks I’ve embarked on a quest to collect as much information from NFL sources—scouts, coaches, general managers, former executives, fellow reporters and agents—to collect here in a very handy team-by-team look at the latest intel…
…The Bears are unlikely to be able to move up from No. 20 overall into the land of quarterbacks. I’ve been pounding the table for the team to address the offensive line, particularly tackle, for quite some time. I think a tackle who falls down the board is the most likely pick. Cornerback Caleb Farley could also land here.”
That is interesting. For the past couple of weeks, a number of people have suggested the Bears wouldn’t be thinking offensive tackle at #20. Remember they just re-signed Germaine Ifedi. Most assume he’s going to be the starting right tackle with Charles Leno remaining fixed on the left side. A clear indicator in their minds that the pick will go elsewhere. Be it a quarterback, wide receiver, or as Miller pointed out a cornerback.
Yet those people continue to not take the Pace factor into account. The man is notorious throughout his tenure as GM for doubling up on a position between free agency and the draft. Mike Glennon and Mitch Trubisky in 2017. Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller in 2018. Mike Davis and David Montgomery in 2019. Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet in 2020. This is a clearly defined trend. When Pace senses a roster weakness (which offensive tackle is), he’ll attack it hard.
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Who might the Chicago Bears see fall to them?
As of right now, most experts including Miller have three tackles most likely going in the 19 picks ahead of Chicago. The two almost certain to be out of reach are Penei Sewell of Oregon and Rashawn Slater of Northwestern. One name that could end up slipping to them is Christian Darrisaw of Virginia Tech. In terms of talent? He has the goods. He’s big, strong, athletic, and quick. Pass protection and run blocking? He can do both equally well.
The primary concern evaluators have with him is his tendency to seem a bit nonchalant at times. He doesn’t seem to play with a ton of fire as some other blockers in this class. This inevitably leads to questions about his love of football. How motivated is he to be great? It doesn’t mean he’s a danger to bust. Some personalities are just different from others. If he were to fall to the Chicago Bears, they would be foolish not to pick him. He is that gifted.
Finding receiver and cornerback help on Day 2 wouldn’t be too difficult.
Some will argue Darrisaw wouldn’t be able to help the team immediately. That isn’t necessarily true. He has the ability to beat either Leno or Ifedi in a competition. Even if he doesn’t, it is never a crime to invest in one of the most important positions on a football field. Whenever the Bears do chase their next quarterback, they’ll be able to rest easy knowing they likely found his blindside protection. If Pace ends up doing this? He should be applauded.