Recently I wrote an article detailing the possibility that Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace might forgo the passive approach this offseason and try to strike big in the upcoming NFL draft. That may include a trade all the way up into the 1st round. It would likely cost them one of their 2nd round picks next year. Maybe more. However, Pace has made it clear he plans to stay aggressive trying to improve this football team.
So let’s presume for a moment that Pace is open to the idea of moving up. Obviously that’s just one part of the equation. In these situations, it requires three. The desire to move up, the necessary team who is willing to move down, and finally the player that you covet. That last part is perhaps the most interesting question of all.
Are there any talents in this upcoming class who might be available towards the end of the 1st round that Pace would sacrifice a future high draft pick for? I decided to look over the class as a whole, seeking out possible option to fit the profile of what the Bears GM would seek in a 1st round talent.
Here are three names who, while remote, could be possibilities that would make for fascinating additions to this already talented roster.
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Josh Jacobs (RB, Alabama)
It’s no secret the Bears might be looking for new options at running back. Try as they might, the Jordan Howard situation won’t settle down. Their refusal to dismiss the idea of signing Kareem Hunt was evidence in and of itself that head coach Matt Nagy isn’t getting what he wants from Howard. Not for this offensive scheme anyway.
Josh Jacobs could be the Holy Grail talent that he’s looking for to solve his problems. The buzz around the Alabama back has been strong and increasing since the end of the 2018 season. Despite not being the primary running back, his skills set has scouts salivating what with his speed, cutting ability, vision, and tough running style. Not to mention a strong pair of hands for catching the football.
The odds of him reaching the end of the 1st are remoted at this point. Many see him as a possible top 15 pick. Still, running backs tend to slip down the board far more often than other positions.
Brian Burns (EDGE, Florida State)
Pace is consistent in one aspect of his 1st round drafting. He loves standout athletes. Kevin White, Leonard Floyd, Mitch Trubisky, and Roquan Smith all have that in common. They were rare in terms of athleticism at their respective positions. Given the lack of depth at edge rusher the team is dealing with, it’s quite possible the Bears could become intrigued by Brian Burns.
The Florida State defensive end had 10 sacks in 2018 and much of the year showed just how scary he could be. His mix of size, length, and quickness alone made him a handful for offensive tackles. The scary part is he was playing at just 220 lbs. Imagine what could happen once he’s able to add 20-30 lbs of additional muscle on that 6’6 frame. He, Floyd, and Khalil Mack could make for a devastating three-man rotation.
Greedy Williams (CB, LSU)
Chuck Pagano is a defensive backs specialist. So it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to prioritize that area of his defense. Good secondaries can be so valuable in today’s NFL. With Bryce Callahan being a free agent this year and Prince Amukamara approaching his 30s, it might be a good time for the Bears to think about adding another young corner to the mix. If Greedy Williams is within reach, they have to go get him.
Truth be told, of the names on this list Williams is the least likely to reach the bottom of the 1st round. He’s simply too talented with a 6’2 frame and top-caliber athleticism. However, there is a run of rumors recently that indicate his draft stock has cooled somewhat due to his inconsistencies at LSU and belief he’s not quite as fast as people would prefer.
Don’t be fooled. This young man can play. Pagano likes his corners tough and able to play tight press coverage. This is something he excels at.
