Chicago Bears: Full 2016 Draft Guide and Preview
After holding six picks in the 2015 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears enter the 2016 draft with nine selections.
General manager Ryan Pace addressed needs along the offensive line and at inside linebacker in free agency, but the team still needs to find another starter at defensive end and add depth to the outside linebacker position, at left tackle and in the secondary.
Because of all the needs the team has on both sides of the ball, Chicago could trade down to acquire more picks, or since it has a couple extra selections, it could try to move up to grab an available player if the team is afraid that a prospect will not fall to it.
Good teams are built through the draft, and Pace will need to hit on his selections in order for the Bears to contend for the NFC North crown in 2016.
What do you need to know about the upcoming draft in regard to the Bears?
Draft Picks
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Draft picks
Round 1, pick No. 11 overall
Round 2, pick No. 41 overall
Round 3, pick No. 72 overall
Round 4, pick No. 106 overall
Round 4, pick No. 127 overall
Round 5, pick No. 150 overall
Round 6, pick No. 185 overall
Round 6, pick No. 206 overall
Round 7, pick No. 230 overall
What to know
1. Coming into 2016, the Bears have selected 11th overall nine times. Notable 11th overall selections in Chicago are offensive lineman Keith Van Horne in 1981, linebacker Wilber Marshall in 1984, cornerback Donnell Woolford in 1989 and defensive end John Thierry in 1994.
2. Wide receiver Kevin White—Chicago's first-round pick in 2015—did not set foot onto the field last season due to a shin injury, but he is expected to return healthy in 2016, according to Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com.
3. Despite White not being able to play last season, Chicago got contributions out of its other five selections. Second-round pick Eddie Goldman solidified himself as a building block along the defensive line, and center Hroniss Grasu made eight starts and will be in the running for the starting job this season. Fourth-round pick Jeremy Langford is projected to be the team's starting running back in 2016. Adrian Amos started all 16 games at safety, and sixth-round pick Tayo Fabuluje appeared in four games as a reserve tackle.
4. The Bears gained a fourth-round pick (127th overall) by trading tight end Martellus Bennett to the New England Patriots in March, and they also acquired a sixth-round pick (206th overall) by trading Jared Allen to the Carolina Panthers in September.
Top Needs
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1. Defensive end
The Bears used a handful of different players at the 5-technique defensive end spot last season, but none made a big impact on the field. Mitch Unrein proved he can be effective in a limited role, but the team still has a lot of question marks at the position.
Chicago signed veteran defensive end Akiem Hicks to a two-year deal in March to be an anchor along the defensive line, but the team does not have a viable option to start opposite of him.
2. Left tackle
Kyle Long filled in admirably at right tackle last season, but Chicago upgraded the position by signing Bobby Massie in free agency. Massie's signing allows the Bears to move Long back to his natural position at right guard.
Chicago also added veteran offensive linemen Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez in free agency to compete for a starting job at either left guard or center, but the team did not address the left tackle position.
Charles Leno took over at left tackle following an injury to veteran Jermon Bushrod last season, and while he showed flashes of his potential, he still has a lot of room for improvement. If Chicago wants to keep quarterback Jay Cutler upright in 2016, it will need to improve the left tackle position.
3. Outside linebacker
Chicago signed Pernell McPhee last offseason to get after the quarterback, but he struggled with injuries and was double-teamed throughout the year. He will return as one of the team's starters at outside linebacker in 2016, but the position opposite of him is still up in the air.
Willie Young and Lamarr Houston both flashed last season at their new positions on the outside following season-ending injuries in 2014, but they're not natural pass-rushers out of a two-point stance. Both proved they can still apply pressure to the quarterback, but Chicago needs to get younger on the outside.
4. Cornerback
Second-year man Kyle Fuller showed improvement down the stretch last season, and the team brought back veteran Tracy Porter this offseason, but the Bears have a need for both youth and depth at the cornerback position.
Rookie Bryce Callahan showed flashes of his potential on the inside at nickelback in 2015, but Chicago did not look outside of the organization in free agency to add depth. Fuller and Porter are expected to be the starters in 2016, but Chicago would be wise to find someone to groom behind them in this year's draft.
5. Safety
Amos burst out in a big way in his rookie season and surprised many by earning the starting free safety job in training camp. The former Penn State Nittany Lion finished his first NFL season with 67 tackles and one sack.
Despite Amos' strong season, the team struggled to find the answer at strong safety. Veteran Antrel Rolle struggled with injuries, Chris Prosinski proved he was better suited playing special teams and undrafted rookie Harold Jones-Quartey proved he is still raw.
There is a good chance the team starts the year with Rolle as the starter opposite of Amos, but the Bears would be wise to add another young player to the mix in this year's draft.
Top Targets
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Defensive End
1. DeForest Buckner, Oregon: Regarded as the top 5-technique prospect in this year's draft, DeForest Buckner has everything a team that runs a 3-4 scheme wants in a defensive end. He has ideal size (6'7", 291 lbs), is strong enough to anchor the edge against the run and has the ability to apply pressure to the quarterback. There is no guarantee he drops out of the top 10, but if he does, Chicago would be wise to take him with the 11th overall pick.
2. A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama: At 6'4" and 307 pounds, A'Shawn Robinson is a monster of a man. He is strong and physical at the point of attack and possesses surprising athleticism for his size. He moved all around Alabama's defensive line and can set the edge on the outside at defensive end, as well as push the pocket up the middle at the 0-technique nose tackle position. He will be an immediate contributor against the run and could become a more complete player if he works on his hand usage as a pass-rusher.
Left Tackle
1. Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame: A 40-game starter—including his last 27 at left tackle—at Notre Dame, Ronnie Stanley has all the tools be a starter on the left side from day one. He is athletic and moves his feet well. He knows how to use his arms to create separation and also has the ability to get outside to make plays down the field in the running game. He does need to improve his punch and to get stronger at the point of attack, but he would be an immediate upgrade over Leno at left tackle.
2. Jack Conklin, Michigan State: While not as athletic as Stanley, Michigan State's Jack Conklin is a tough, physical blocker who can make an immediate impact in the running game. He possesses good footwork and knows how to utilize his hands in pass protection. He plays a bit tall and will need to improve his pad level, as he has a tendency to shoot up instead of forward off the snap of the ball.
Outside Linebacker
1. Shaq Lawson, Clemson: A bit of a tweener, Shaq Lawson is strong enough to hold the edge on the outside as a 5-technique defensive end, but he is also athletic enough to rush the quarterback as an outside linebacker. He was used primarily as a defensive end at Clemson, but he could be moved all around defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme. In 2015, he recorded 59 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
2. Leonard Floyd, Georgia: One of the most physically gifted players in this year's draft, Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd has exploded up draft boards this offseason. He lacks ideal bulk for the position after weighing in at just 244 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he has the speed (4.60-second 40-yard dash) and height (6'6") to make an immediate impact in the NFL as a pass-rushing specialist.
Cornerback
1. Vernon Hargreaves, Florida: One of the best pure cornerbacks in this year's draft, Hargreaves is equal parts athletic and physical. He is at his best when asked to press wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, but he also plays well in space. In addition to what he brings against the pass, he is willing to step up against the run and is a solid tackler.
2. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson: There are questions about Mackensie Alexander's ability to be a playmaker in the NFL after not recording an interception in his collegiate career, but the young cornerback allowed just 29.6 percent of passes thrown his direction to be completed. He also did not allow a touchdown in his career, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. His technique needs to improve, but he could develop into a dominant starter down the road with the right coaching.
Safety
1. Karl Joseph, West Virginia: There are no safeties worth taking with the 11th overall pick, but the Bears could be in the running for someone like West Virginia's Karl Joseph in the second round. A physical strong safety who excels in the box against the run, Joseph is also athletic enough to cover passes down the field. He is at his best when attacking downhill, and his addition would force Amos to play more single-high safety as opposed to in the box.
2. Jeremy Cash, Duke: A versatile safety who has experience playing out of the slot as a nickelback, Duke's Jeremy Cash could be a steal in the second round. Like Joseph, Cash plays physically and is at his best in the box against the run. He does look a bit stiff when asked to cover the back half of the field in coverage, but he is physical enough to contend passes against bigger, stronger receivers.
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The Latest Rumors
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Bears could take a chance on Jaylon Smith
Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith was once viewed as a first-round pick before suffering a knee injury against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl in January. He had surgery on his ACL and LCL shortly after the bowl game and decided to enter the 2016 draft.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Smith is not expected to play in 2016 while he recovers from his injury.
Even though there are long-term concerns about his health, Ed Kracz, the Philadelphia Eagles beat writer for Calkins Media, is hearing the Bears could be in on Smith.
"Some talk out of Chicago that Bears could take Smith early," tweeted Kracz on Sunday.
Kracz did not offer an opinion of how early the Bears could target Smith, but considering all the questions regarding his health, taking him any time before the third round may be too much of a risk.
When healthy, Smith was one of college football's best defensive players. He received the Butkus Award at the end of the season for being the nation's best linebacker.
Will Chicago trade up for Leonard Floyd?
Chicago should have plenty of solid options to choose from with the 11th overall pick, but Art Stapleton, a New York Giants beat writer for The Record, thinks the Bears could move past the Giants to select a player.
"I'm keeping an eye on Bears in relation to Giants," tweeted Stapleton on Sunday. "Could Chicago try to leapfrog in fear of losing out on a player it covets (Leonard Floyd)?"
Floyd has flown up draft boards this offseason, and the Bears have extra picks in the fourth and sixth rounds because of trades.
Moving ahead of the Giants at No. 10 would likely take more than just a fourth- and/or sixth-round pick, and considering all the needs Chicago has on both sides of the ball, it would not make much sense for the team to move two or three picks to trade up for a player who will need time to develop as a pass-rusher.
Bears are rumored to be in on QB Brian Hoyer
Chicago was forced to start Jimmy Clausen at quarterback last season against the Seattle Seahawks following an injury to Cutler in Week 2, and the journeyman completed just nine of his 17 passing attempts for 63 yards in a 26-0 loss in Week 3.
Outside of Josh McCown's strong showing in 2013, the Bears have struggled to find viable backup quarterbacks in the Cutler era.
The Houston Texans released veteran Brian Hoyer earlier this offseason, and according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, Chicago is expected to be in on the veteran quarterback.
"On the Brian Hoyer front, will visit Denver as Adam Caplan reported. If he doesn't sign there, expect him to [be] a Bear by end of week," La Canfora tweeted on April 20.
Hoyer threw for over 3,326 yards with the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and tossed 19 touchdowns to just seven interceptions in 11 games with Houston last year.
The former Michigan State signal-caller will not take any starting reps away from Cutler, but he will provide the team with a talented backup.
Signing Hoyer will not keep the Bears from selecting a quarterback in this year's draft, but his addition would help take some of the pressure off anyone the team may draft at the position.
Chicago loves DeForest Buckner
It is no secret that Buckner is one of the best 5-technique defensive ends in this year's draft, and according to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, he is the player Chicago covets at No. 11.
"The Bears are said to love DeForest Buckner, according to a source on the coaching staff, but the Oregon defensive lineman won't be available at pick No. 11," Miller wrote. "Leonard Floyd is the player highest on the board who is likely to be available, but the same coaching source said left tackle and cornerback will be priorities."
It seems unlikely Buckner falls to No. 11, but stranger things have happened in the draft.
Floyd is a talented player with a lot of upside and potential, but it may be a bit of a risk to take a raw player like him that high in the draft. If Buckner is off the board, Chicago would be better off taking a left tackle to shore up the offensive line or a cornerback to help bring competition to the secondary on defense.
7-Round Mock Draft
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Here is how the draft might work out for the Bears:
Round 1: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State: The Bears have more pressing needs along the offensive and defensive lines, but it would be difficult to pass on a talent like Elliott if he drops down to No. 11. Running the football will take pressure off Cutler, and Elliott and Langford could form an impressive one-two punch in the backfield for Chicago.
Round 2: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson: Fuller and Porter are expected to be the team's starters in 2016, but Chicago desperately needs to add youth and upside at the cornerback position. Alexander is talented enough to play either inside or outside and would immediately upgrade the team's depth in the secondary.
Round 3: Miles Killebrew, SS, Southern Utah: The Bears found an immediate starter at free safety in the fifth round last year with Amos, and Killebrew is talented enough to be a starter at strong safety in his rookie season. A force against the run, Killebrew would add some toughness to Chicago's secondary.
Round 4: Willie Henry, DL, Michigan: The Bears have a need at the 5-technique defensive end position, and Henry has the ability to make a difference against the run. He can also apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, but he is at his best when asked to set the edge as a run defender.
Round 4: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State: Cutler played well last year in head coach John Fox's first season, but he will turn 33 later this week. The Bears need a young signal-caller to develop, and Hackenberg has the tools to be a starter in the NFL if he can improve his accuracy.
Round 5: John Theus, OT, Georgia: Theus is far from a polished product, but he has the size (6'6", 313 lbs) and athleticism to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. He is a technically sound lineman, but he needs to improve his upper body strength. He might not push for a starting job in his rookie year, but he could develop into a starter in 2017.
Round 6: Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford: The Bears shored up the inside linebacker position in free agency by signing veterans Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, but Martinez would give the team much-needed depth at the position. Martinez is solid against the run and would be an immediate contributor on special teams.
Round 6: Henry Krieger-Coble, TE, Iowa: Krieger-Coble is a versatile tight end who had success both as a blocker and a receiver at Iowa, but he struggled with injuries and is still relatively raw. Chicago has a need at the position after trading Bennett this offseason, and he could push for the No. 2 tight end spot behind Zach Miller if he improves his route running.
Round 7: Morgan Burns, CB, Kansas State: Chicago has struggled to find consistency in the return game since Devin Hester's departure following the 2013 season, and Burns would give the special teams a spark. He returned four kickoffs for a touchdown during his time at Kansas State, but he needs to improve his technique as a cornerback.
All stats and combine information courtesy of NFL.com and Sports-Reference.com.
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