If Chicago Bears fans hear the word “collaboration” one more time from Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace, they’re liable to set Soldier Field on fire. Yet this is the reality. The head coach and GM are tied at the hip. They need to put together the best offseason possible if they’re going to save their jobs. That means whoever they pick in the upcoming NFL draft will be a player they both covet.
That is the essence of collaboration. The obvious question is who will that player be? In order to find an answer, it’s important to look at who the two men are. What their preferences and priorities are when it comes to identifying talent. From looking back over the previous three years they’ve spent together, one name does stand out as somebody they’d almost certainly agree on.
Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore.
This is a name Bears fans may already be acquainted with. Experts like Mel Kiper were mocking him to Chicago as early as three months ago. It seemed ridiculous at the time. However, as this offseason has unfolded it’s becoming more and more believable.
Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace together point directly at Moore
Why Matt Nagy:
- Doesn’t fear size concerns
- Covets speed
- Sharp route runner
Remember where Nagy is coming from. He watched the emergence of Tyreek Hill in Kansas City for years. Hill is only 5’10. Since then, Taylor Gabriel and Marvin Hall’s signings prove the head coach isn’t worried about size as long as he can burn. Speed equals good. However, it’s not the dealbreaker. That comes with being able to run routes. Simply running fast in the NFL means nothing. Being able to weaponize it through crafty route-running is what makes the best receivers in the league deadly. Moore can already do this at a high level.
Why Ryan Pace:
- Freak athlete
- Skill player
- Needs an Anthony Miller replacement
Say this for Pace. He’s consistent in his approach. When it comes to his top draft choices, he always targets standout athletes. Kevin White, Leonard Floyd, Mitch Trubisky, and Roquan Smith all put up freaky athletic numbers for their respective positions going into the draft. Moore did so as well, posting a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash and a 6.65 in the three-cone. Each would’ve been good for second and first respectively among the 2020 receiving class. Then there is the Miller situation. He’s reportedly on the trade block, which leaves a void at slot receiver. A position that would be perfect for Moore’s skill set.
Plenty of people aren’t receptive to the idea of Moore. An undersized receiver? Really? That is fair. However, it’s worth noting the NFL is a big man’s game like it used to be. Speed, athleticism, and precision are where it counts. Moore earned some interesting comparisons including Antonio Brown from NFL.com expert Lance Zierlein. He rated the young receiver the fourth-best in the entire class.
So would Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace be crazy for doing it? Depends on who you ask. Either way, if they remain true to themselves then this is a name to keep circled on draft boards next month.