The Complete Chicago Bears Draft Primer
Following a disappointing 2014 season, the Chicago Bears fired general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman and hired Ryan Pace as the team's new general manager and John Fox as the team's new head coach.
Pace and Fox have been working hard this offseason to improve Chicago's roster, and they received praise from their boss earlier this week.
"Vibe and energy are two good words. [General manager] Ryan [Pace] and [coach] John [Fox] have really energized the building," said Bears chairman George H. McCaskey, according to Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com. "Theyโre working very well together from what I can see and a lot of positive energy."
The Bears have added 13 new players via free agency, and McCaskey has been impressed with Pace's approach as a first-time general manager.ย
McCaskeyย said on theย Mullyย and Hanleyย Showย on Monday,ย viaย CBSChicago.com:
"The biggest thing I would say Iโve noticed is Ryan certainly doesnโt look like a first-time GM.ย He was the talent evaluator in New Orleans, and I think he handled many of the duties of the GM anyway. But he seems very relaxed, very composed, very much in control. I think heโs as excited as anybody else is about the draft coming up.
"
As well as Pace has handled himself in free agency this offseason, he knows how important the draft is for the team moving forward.
"The recipe to winning Super Bowls is stringing successful drafts together again and again," Pace said at his introductory press conference in January, according to the Chicago Tribune.ย "We are not just collecting athletes. We are acquiring football players that fit the Chicago Bears."
The Bears hold the seventh overall pick in this year's draft following their 5-11 season, and Pace now has an opportunity to build the organization his own way by adding young talent in the draft.
Just ahead, we take a look at which picks the Bears hold, who they have visited with and what some of their top needs areย in our complete Chicago Bears draft primer.
2015 Draft Picks
1 of 6
- 1st round: 7th overall
- 2nd round: 39th overall
- 3rd round: 71st overall
- 4th round: 106th overall
- 5th round: 142nd overall (via the New York Jets)
- 6th round: 182nd overall
Chicago does not have a seventh-round pick in this year's draft after trading that pick along with Brandon Marshall to the Jets in exchange for New York's fifth-round pick.
They initially traded their 2015 fifth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in last year's draft to move up to select safety Brock Vereen in the fourth round.
Prospects Who Have Visited the Bears
2 of 6
According to WalterFootball.com, the following players had private visits with the Bears this offseason:
- Malcolm Agnew, RB, Southern Illinois
- Vic Beasley, Edge-Rusher, Clemson
- Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
- T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
- Alvin Dupree, Edge-Rusher, Kentucky
- Cornelius Edison, OL, Portland State
- Mario Edwards Jr., DL, Florida State
- Dante Fowler Jr. Edge-Rusher, Florida
- Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
- Eli Harold, Edge-Rusher, Virginia
- D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida
- Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
- Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
- Tony Lippett, WR, Michigan State
- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
- Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
- DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
- Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
- Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
- Shane Ray, Edge-Rusher, Missouri
- Josh Shaw, CB/S, USC
- Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
- Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Most names on this list are potential first-round selections, but guys like Agnew, Edison, Kroft and Lippett could all be options for the Bears in the mid-to-late rounds.
Chicago's Top Needs
3 of 6
Nose Tackle
The Bears made the switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense this offseason under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and they lack depth at the nose tackle position.
Jeremiah Ratliff is the projected starter at the position, and second-year man Ego Ferguson should see plenty of playing time at nose tackle, but the team does not have any other options behind them.
Defensive tackle Will Sutton was taken in the third round last year, but he is a better fit in a 4-3 defense at the 3-technique and will likely play defensive end in Chicago's new scheme.
With only one true nose tackle on the roster in Ratliff, the Bears will likely look to add to the position in the draft.
Edge-Rusher
The Bears added edge-rusher Pernell McPhee in free agency to play outside linebacker in their new 3-4 defense, but the other starting outside linebacker position appears to be wide-open.
Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, Willie Young and David Bass are all making the switch from 4-3 defensive ends to 3-4 outside linebackers this offseason, and even though the Bears appear to have a lot of depth at the position, they could still be in the market for a young pass-rusher in the draft.
5-Technique Defensive End
Just like the nose tackle position, the 5-technique defensive end position lacks depth. The Bears added defensive ends Ray McDonald and Jarvis Jenkins in free agency, but they are the only two defensive linemen on the roster who have experience playing the 5-technique in a 3-4 defense.
Sutton and Cornelius Washington will likely compete for a backup role, but the Bears would be wise to draft another defensive end.
Safety
The Bears have struggled for the better part of the last 15 years to find a reliable safety, and even though they signed veteran Antrel Rolle earlier this offseason, they will likely draft another safety this year.
Veteran Ryan Mundy and second-year man Brock Vereen are the only other safeties currently on the roster, and while Chicago could survive a season or two with one of them paired up with Rolle, the team needs to look to the future at both the strong and free safety positions.
Wide Receiver
Even though the Bears have Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal on the roster, they need to add more weapons to the wide receiver corps.
Currently, the only other receivers on the roster are Marquess Wilson, Marc Mariani, John Chiles, Joshua Bellamy and Rashad Lawrence. Of those five, only Wilson and Mariani have recorded a catch in the NFL.
Luckily for the Bears, this year's draft class has a lot of talent at the position.
Cornerback
For the first time since 2003, the Bears will be starting a season without cornerback Charles Tillman on the roster. After he played in just 10 games over the last two seasons, the Bears decided to let Tillman hit the open market, and he signed with the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason.
The Bears have 2014 first-round pick Kyle Fuller and former Pro Bowler Tim Jennings on the roster, but they could be looking to add more depth behind them.
The team signed Alan Ball to a one-year deal and re-signed Sherrick McManis, Demontre Hurst and Al Louis-Jean this offseason, but in a draft class filled with cornerbacks with a lot of upside, do not be surprised to see them address the position early in the draft.ย
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Chicago's Top Targets
4 of 6
Nose Tackle
1. Danny Shelton, Washington
2. Eddie Goldman, Florida State
3.ย Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
4. Carl Davis, Iowa
Shelton is the top nose tackle available, but both Goldman and Phillips could be available in the second round and have the ability to play both inside at nose tackle and outside at the 5-technique.
Davis is more of a project, but he has the ability to step in immediately and contribute against the run.
Edge-Rusher
1. Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
2. Vic Beasley, Clemson
3. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
4. Shane Ray, Missouri
5. Eli Harold, Virginia
Fowler may not fall all the way down to No. 7, meaning the Bears could be looking at Beasley or Gregory with their first pick.
According to ESPN.com, Ray was cited for marijuana possession on Monday, meaning there is no guarantee he is selected in the first round. He may be too much of a risk for the Bears with the seventh overall pick, but he could potentially be a steal in the second round if he is still available.
Harold needs to get stronger at the point of attack, but he has the potential to develop into a solid pass-rusher if given the opportunity to grow. He will likely be an option for the team in the second round.
5-Technique Defensive End
1. Leonard Williams, USC
2. Arik Armstead, Oregon
3. Henry Anderson, Stanford
The 5-technique defensive end position has a lot of talent at the top, but there is a steep drop-off after Williams, Armstead and Anderson.
Williams is arguably the best defensive player in this year's draft, but he could potentially drop down to the Bears with the seventh overall pick if there is a run on offensive players.
Armstead has the size (6'7", 292 lbs) to play the position, but he will need to refine his technique in the NFL. Anderson could be available in the third or fourth round and could develop into a solid rotational player.
Safety
1. Landon Collins, Alabama
2. Damarious Randall, Arizona State
3. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
4. Derron Smith, Fresno State
5. Cody Prewitt, Ole Missย
Collins is the only surefire first-round pick in this year's safety group, but Randall could potentially join him.
In two seasons as a starter at Arizona State, Randall registered 177 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, one sack and six interceptions. He is a bit small for the position (5'11", 196 lbs), but he is a tough defender who could potentially thrive in Fangio's 3-4 defense because of his speed (he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash) and versatility.ย
The seventh overall pick is likely too high to grab Collins, and Randall likely will not be around in the second round, meaning guys like Tartt, Smith and Prewitt could be options in Rounds 3-5.ย
Wide Receiver
1. Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. Kevin White, West Virginia
3. Breshad Perriman, UCF
4. DeVante Parker, Louisville
5. Phillip Dorsett, Miami
6. Nelson Agholor, USC
Cooper and White are clearly the two best wide receivers in this year's draft, but if the Bears decide to trade back in the draft to gain additional picks, Perriman and Parker could be options in the middle of the first round.
In the second round, the Bears could find good value in either Dorsett or Agholor.ย
Cornerback
1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State
2. Marcus Peters, Washington
3. Byron Jones, Connecticut
4. Jalen Collins, LSU
5. Ronald Darby, Florida State
6. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forrest
Waynes and Peters are arguably the two best cornerbacks in this year's draft, and while guys like Jones and Collins are still raw, they could be steals in the second round.
Darby and Johnson are both fringe first-round selections, but they could potentially slide to the second round for the Bears.
If the team opts to address the position later in the draft, Utah's Eric Rowe, Oregon State's Steven Nelson or Louisville's Charles Gaines could all be options.
Chicago Bears Final Mock Draft Roundup
5 of 6USA Today's Nate Davis: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
The Bears have been linked to a wide receiver ever since the departure of Marshall, andย USA Today's Nate Davis thinks the Bears will draft Alabama's Amari Cooper.
"If new GM Ryan Pace is a 'best player on the board' type of decision-maker, then Cooper will be his guy in this scenario," Davis wrote. "Asย Brandon Marshall's replacement, Cooper's route running would meld nicely with red-zone beastย Alshon Jeffery, who could move on in 2016 and leave the No. 1 role in Cooper's capable hands."
Cooper is the best route-runner in this year's draft, and he could develop into a star in the NFL in the right system.
NFL.com's Charles Davis: Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
The Bears have struggled to stop the run the past two seasons, and NFL.com's Charles Davis thinks Washington's Danny Shelton should be the pick.
"West Virginia WR Kevin White is a very tempting target, but the Bears are beyond tired of struggling on defense, and Shelton is a BIG addition who will help set a new tone in the Windy City," Davis wrote.
Shelton is strong and powerful at the point of attack, but he will need to improve as a pass-rusher at the next level.
The MMQB's Peter King: Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
While many have the Bears adding a wide receiver or a defensive lineman, The MMQB's Peter King went outside the box with Kentucky's Alvin Dupree, writing:
"The Bears could go wideout here, easily, dipping into the treasure-trove position of the draft for a very good complement to Alshon Jeffery after saying goodbye to Brandon Marshall.ย But they can wait until their second-round pick, 39th overall, and get a fine receiver. Dupree, Kevin White and Trae Waynes are all players who could hear their names picked by GM Ryan Pace, running his first draft since coming north from New Orleans.
"
Dupree ran a 4.56 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and is one of the most athletic edge-rushers in this year's draft. He is still raw, but he could develop into a solid pass-rusher with the right coaching staff.
CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
If the Bears decide they need to add another pass-rusher to the mix, CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora thinks they will take Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley,ย writing:
"This team needs pass rush in the worst way and defensive-minded and conservative-by-nature coach John Fox knows he must impact quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford and maybeย Teddy Bridgewaterย to have a chance.ย Yeah, the offensive line needs help too, but there is greater depth there at top of second round and much more of a drop-off from pass rushing options.
"
La Canfora makes a great point about the Bears needing to stop guys like Rodgers, Stafford and Bridgewater in the passing game. While a receiver like Cooper would be nice in the first round, someone like Beasley or Dupree could have a bigger impact in the long run on defense.
Latest Rumors and Reports
6 of 6
Bears Are Reportedly Discussing a Trade with St. Louis
According to Benjamin Allbright of Mile High Sports, there is a rumor suggesting the Bears and St. Louis Ramsย have discussed a trade for defensive tackle Michael Brockers.
Brockers was the 14th overall pick in the 2012 draft, and in three seasons with the Rams, he has registered 109 tackles, 11.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.ย He was a major contributor in St. Louis' 4-3 defense, but with its addition of defensive tackle Nick Fairley this offseason in free agency, he could be expendable.
He has primarily played the 3-technique in a 4-3, but he has the size (6'5", 326 lbs) to play the 5-technique defensive end position in a 3-4.ย
The Rams currently hold the No. 10 pick, and the Bears could potentially trade the seventh overall pick to St. Louis in exchange for the No. 10 pick and Brockers.
If Pace has the opportunity to pull the trigger, it could end up being a great deal for Chicago.
West Virginia's Kevin White Could Be the Pick at No. 7
West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White has skyrocketed up draft boards this offseason after hauling in 109 catches for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
White met with the Bears this offseason, and he enjoyed his meeting with the organization, according to FoxSports.com's Peter Schrager:
"Kevin White tells me that his Bears meeting was "special". Unlike the others he went on. Loved meeting the guys in Chicago.
โ Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 29, 2015"
He feels he could potentially land in Chicago if he's still on the board when the Bears make their selection on Thursday night.
"I feel like if Iโm there at seven, I think they will pick me," White said, via Around the NFL.
In his latest mock draft, FirstRoundGrade.com's Bryan Perezย has the Bears selecting White with the seventh overall pick, writing:
"Yes, the Bears need a lot of help on defense. ย They added some solid veterans who project well to the new 3-4 scheme, but they donโt have a foundational player that they can build around. ย Danny Shelton will get a long, hard look here, but at the end of the day, the best โtalentโ on the Board is Kevin White. ย The Bears do need help at wide receiver, and White has a chance to evolveย into a cross between Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Marshall (ironically).
"
After trading Marshall to the Jets earlier this offseason, the team has a void at the position, and White could potentially develop into a No. 1 receiver in Chicago's new offense under new coordinator Adam Gase.
How Much Will This Year's Draft Class Cost the Bears?
According to NFLPA.com, the Bears currently haveย $11,603,538 in salary-cap space. The team likely will not be spending any more money on big-name free agents this offseason, but they will have to use up some of their salary-cap space to sign this year's draft class.
Dan Durkin of CBSChicago.com recently determined how much money the Bears will spend on their six draft picks.
"Thus, assuming no trades by the Bears and that all six make the roster this fall, the eventual cost of the 2015 rookie class will be approximately $5.735 million, but the offseason charge will only be $2.628 million," Durkin wrote.
Chicago Is Reportedly Listening to Offers for Tight End Martellus Bennett
Tight end Martellus Bennett hauled in 90 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns last season and was named to his first Pro Bowl, but he was not in Chicago for the start of minicamp earlier this week, according to theย Chicago Tribune'sย Brad Biggs.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears have been listening to offers for Bennett:
"Bears entertaining trade offers for Pro Bowl TE Martellus Bennett, per league sources. Bennett wants a new contract in Chicago or anywhere.
โ Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2015"
Schefter later tweeted the Bears and Seattle Seahawks had discussions about Bennett prior to Seattle trading for Jimmy Graham:
"Before Seattle traded for Jimmy Graham, it had trade discussions with Bears about Martellus Bennett. Could have been Bennett Bros in SEA.
โ Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2015"
The Bears re-signed tight ends Dante Rosario and Zach Miller this offseason and added Bear Pascoe in free agency, but if they trade Bennett, they will likely look in the draft to find his eventual replacement.
Statistical information courtesy ofย Sports-Reference.comย andย NFL.com.ย Combine numbers andย measurablesย courtesy ofย NFL.com.
Mattย Eurichย is a Chicago Bears Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
