The Chicago Bears aren’t going to tip their hand as to what they’ll do in the draft. Will they trade up? Trade down? Stay put? Only GM Ryan Pace can answer that question and he’s not going to talk. All anybody can do is make educated guesses. Based on what is known? It’s a safe bet their 1st round pick will come down to one of three positions: quarterback, cornerback, or wide receiver.
If they trade up, it’s almost certain to be a quarterback. So what happens if they do the unexpected and stay put at #20? That is where it becomes somewhat tricky. The Bears do need to think about an heir apparent to Kyle Fuller. At the same time, Andy Dalton can’t carry this team by himself. He needs weapons. Anthony Miller is close to being traded. Javon Wims and Riley Ridley haven’t panned out as hoped.
It feels like that position should be considered the favorite.
That leads to the obvious question. Would the Bears be wise to take a receiver at that spot? History can offer evidence in such situations. Based on what it says here, Pace may have the right idea if that is the plan. Since 2000, four wide receivers have gone at the 20th pick.
- Javon Walker
- Kendell Wright
- Brandin Cooks
- Nelson Agholor
Of those three, only Wright could be called a disappointment. Walker was a Pro Bowler in Green Bay. Cooks has topped 1,000 yards or more five times. Agholor is one of the better slot receivers in the league and was instrumental to the Eagles’ Super Bowl win in 2017.
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Further evidence exists. When expanding it to receivers taken in the 20s range (20-29), there aren’t a lot of outright busts to be found. Of 33 players drafted in that window, nine failed to become productive in any capacity. Nine became Pro Bowlers and 11 were starters for at least five seasons.
The best way to put it? Chicago has reasonably good odds to land at least a solid player if they go wide receiver at #20.
Chicago Bears will have good options available
The general consensus as of right now from draft experts is that three wide receivers will likely be gone by the end of the top 15-19 picks. They being Ja’Marr Chase (LSU), DeVonta Smith (Alabama), and Jaylen Waddle (Alabama). Assuming this proves true, will the Bears be devoid of options at #20. No. Not at all. While a gulf may exist in terms of talent according to scouting reports, the reality is some good pass catchers will be there.
Kadarius Toney (Florida) and Elijah Moore (Ole Miss) are considered among two of the more exciting big-play receivers in the class. Both look like perfect slot guy, which serves the Chicago Bears well given Miller’s status. Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) is another. He is more of a good-sized possession receiver with underrated speed. NFL.com compared him to Cowboys standout Michael Gallup.
One of the sleepers of this second-tier group is Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma State).
He was a steady machine with at least 900 yards and six touchdowns in his last three seasons there. One scout compared him to former Panthers great Steve Smith due to his mix of speed, route running prowess, and fearless competitive nature. Any one of these guys sounds like they can be good at the NFL level. It comes down to making the right evaluation. The Bears proved they could do it last year with Darnell Mooney. Maybe the time is right to aim higher.
