The Chicago Bears don’t have as many pressing needs as they’ve had in years past. That’s a good thing. It doesn’t mean they have no needs at all though. This is still a team that lost in the first round of the playoffs. There is work left to be done if they wish to make it to their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.
Don’t expect GM Ryan Pace to change his strategy in that regard. He’s gotten to this point by being detailed and aggressive and going for the best players available. With that said. history always has a part to play in these situations. Looking to it may offer some insight as to where the Bears may want to look to fill each of their needs.
In this case, what about schools? Are there programs out there that have routinely done Chicago a good service at certain key positions? The answer is yes. Here is a breakdown of all of their primary needs and which schools may be the best to look at.
Running back: Stanford
Few teams have a greater legacy at the running back position than the Bears. It seems like every decade of their existence featured one stud at the position. Now it appears they could be looking for another as rumors persist they seek somebody who is a better fit for their system. That may sting for Jordan Howard fans, but such can be the reality of the modern NFL.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
History says that Stanford is routinely a rich ground for good runners in Bears history. They scored twice in the same year in 1941 with Hugh Gallarneau and Norm Standlee, both Pro Bowlers, and fixtures on the dynasty teams of that era. Then in 1988 they selected the underrated Brad Muster who not only was a capable lead blocker at fullback but had 3,600 yards from scrimmage with 27 touchdowns in five years.
2019 names to watch? – Bryce Love
This would be a match made in heaven and one that could happen for the Bears. Love is coming off a season-ending injury for Stanford. While a personal shame for him, it puts one of the most athletic and explosive backs in the 2019 class in possible striking distance. Speed? Athleticism? Receiving prowess? He has all of the traits Matt Nagy covets.
Defensive back: Ohio State
It’s rather amazing to learn the fact that the Bears have never put a defensive back in the Hall of Fame. Despite such a vast legacy of great defense, this feels like something that is hard to believe. With that said, there are certain schools that have been good to them over the years. None more so than Ohio State.
The longtime college power is known for their wealth of defensive back talent and Chicago has reaped those rewards multiple times. Three of their better-known safeties in team history came from there including Doug Plank, Todd Bell, and Shaun Gayle. This could be a welcome place to look again if Adrian Amos or Bryce Callahan depart.
2019 name to watch? – Kendall Sheffield
It’s actually a rare quiet year for the Buckeyes in terms of total number of DBs in the draft. That doesn’t mean there’s no talent. Kendall Sheffield had a good season in 2018 with two interceptions. He’s fast by all accounts though at 5’10 he’s a bit on the smaller side. This could make him a viable option for the Bears as he can certainly cover most receivers he faces.
Edge rusher: Florida
Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd will be in place for 2019. That’s the good news. The bad news? The situation behind them is more than a little concerning. Aaron Lynch and Isaiah Irving are both free agents. Sam Acho is coming off a season-ending injury. This team has no definitive third rusher, which is a problem for defenses in this day and age.
One thing about Florida is it’s always a bastion of the top defensive line talent. The Bears know this well. Both Trace Armstrong and Alex Brown came from that program. Together they amassed 151.5 sacks in their careers. It makes one wonder why Chicago hasn’t looked there more often. Especially with guys like Carlos Dunlap coming along in just the past decade.
2019 name to watch? – Jachai Polite and CeCe Jefferson
It would be the biggest of steals ever if the Bears somehow got their hands on Polite. He’s the epitome of a 3-4 outside linebacker with speed, quickness, violent hands and natural bend. Sadly he likely won’t make it out of the 1st round. Jefferson would be a more likely option. He has the first step and strength look the part but his athleticism and size could be concerns if he doesn’t learn how to use his hands properly.
Wide receiver: South Carolina
If any position has given the Bears headaches when it comes to the draft over the years, it would be wide receiver. Whether it’s persistent injury issues, inconsistency, or outright differences between the players and organization, something always goes wrong. That said, the team isn’t hardpressed for pass catchers this time.
They have Allen Robinson in place with Anthony Miller showing tons of promise. Not to mention the ever-dangerous Taylor Gabriel. Still, the depth beyond that group gets iffy with Josh Bellamy and Kevin White hitting free agency. If they do go hunting for help in the draft, South Carolina has been the program that delivers.
The franchise has only taken a player from that program twice. Both of them became top contributors with Marcus Robinson in 1997 and Alshon Jeffery in 2012. Neither fulfilled their full potential in Chicago, but they had one or two outstanding seasons before leaving.
2019 name to watch? – Deebo Samuel
Samuel had the attention of every NFL team down at the Senior Bowl a few weeks back. He was consistently the best at his position throughout practice. He has quickness, speed, and surprising strength for his size. The kid has an understanding of how to get open. Odds are he doesn’t fall past the 2nd round, so the Bears would have to get creative to get him.
Offensive tackle: Notre Dame
The Bears seem set for the time being with Charles Leno and Bobby Massie. That said, their depth behind the two is highly questionable. Bradley Sowell is in the last year of his current deal and Rashaad Coward is a free agent. The school that has often delivered in past year for them? That would be Notre Dame. Not only did they get former starter Mike Gandy from that program, but 1950s centerpiece Bill Wightkin who made All-Pro at one point.
2019 name to watch? – Alex Bars
Having Harry Hiestand as offensive line coach couldn’t be more perfect in this regard because he came directly from Notre Dame to Chicago. He knows those offensive line prospects better than anybody. So he’ll know about Bars. The general consensus on him is he has good size, power, and handled playing both tackle and guard.
So he’s versatile. Not only that, but he was a team captain as well. The big question mark with him will be the reports of him having short arms. A big concern for NFL tackles.
