Position-by-Position Breakdown of Chicago Bears' Top Combine Targets

As is the case with any rebuilding team, the Chicago Bears hit the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine ready to spread out and attack as many areas as possible during a short trip to Indianapolis.

While stressful, the work there pales in comparison to the legwork general manager Ryan Pace and the front office would have to do if the spectacle didn't gather more than 300 of the top 2017 prospects in one place.

So while it's sometimes fun to knock the so-called underwear olympics and classify the event as a glorified medical evaluation, Pace and Co. wouldn't dare complain.

For fans, now is a good time to brush up on what the Bears might pursue on draft day. The front office has seven picks and can address the issues in many different ways, as all options are on the table ahead of free agency. 

Within, we'll take a look at the prospects the front office should target in Indianapolis, spread across various stock ranges based on the severity of the need.

Wide Receiver

Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

With the future of Alshon Jeffery up in the air, Kevin White battling injury woes and Eddie Royal looking like a potential cap cut, the Bears seem like a lock to draft at least one wideout this year. 

This won't happen in the first round, but anything from the second round and on is game, hence some of the must-know names below.

Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech: It might seem redundant to grab another deep-ball threat, but the Bears are going to need someone who can take the top off defenses. Isaiah Ford, at a lanky 6'1", is a good solution in the middle rounds.

Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington: Cooper Kupp is a quality slot prospect with experience against guys like Washington corner Sidney Jones, a first-round prospect. In a perfect world, Kupp could be the guy the Bears need in the slot while Jeffery and White roam elsewhere.

Malachi Dupre, LSU: If the Bears bring back Jeffery and want to roll the dice on a project, few have better value in the middle rounds than Malachi Dupre. He struggled at LSU because of his rawness and the program's lack of quarterback play, but coming in at 6'4" isn't something coaching can teach.

Zay Jones, East Carolina: Zay Jones blew up the Senior Bowl with big plays, a fitting performance he's sure to carry to Indianapolis. His stock might fly higher than the Bears would prefer, but he's someone to watch.

Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech: Also a project, Carlos Henderson has the talent on returns to make himself useful while he learns the pro game. Henderson is only 6'1", but he has his uses and flashed major upside at a smaller school.

Tight End

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Tight end isn't as big of a need as wideout for the Bears, but the consistent injury woes suffered by Zach Miller and the lack of depth behind him make it a strong draft target. 

Outside of the obvious, a talented tight end who can contribute right away with or without Miller is a great idea if the Bears decide to start a rookie quarterback. Alabama's O.J. Howard could be off the board as early as the top 10, but everyone else is fair game.

David Njoku, Miami: David Njoku isn't going to last as long as the Bears would prefer, but Pace pulling the trigger in the second round wouldn't be too crazy. Njoku would be the top tight end in most classes—a quality run-blocker with sure hands who is ready to start.

Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech: Reliability is a big issue with Bucky Hodges for now, but teams will grab him after the second round because of his ability to play all over the field. Deploy that in Chicago in tandem with Miller, and a rookie could have some fun.

Jake Butt, Michigan: A 6'6", in-line tight end to eventually replace Miller is a great investment if the price is right. Jake Butt fits the mold well, though his blocking remains a work in progress.

Jordan Leggett, Clemson: At 6'5", Jordan Leggett pops off the page when he's trying. Effort is the flag of choice here, which is why CBS Sports' big board pegs him as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. The Bears could coach him up and try to get the most out of him.

Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas: Jeremy Sprinkle's stock took a hit, thanks to an off-field gaffe, but his solid all-around game suggests he's a guy who can play right away. Tack on 6'6" height to a skill set adequate in all areas already, and a rookie would have plenty of big, reliable targets to hit.

Defensive End

Butch Dill/Getty Images

The Bears might not want to wait on Jonathan Bullard to develop, and Cornelius Washington is a free agent still carving out his niche.

If the Bears want to aggressively attack the area, they will have a shot at two or three of the best overall players in the draft, starting with Myles Garrett. Should the front office choose to wait, this is a deep class.

Myles Garrett, Texas A&M: There isn't much to say here. Myles Garrett is the consensus top overall player—a three-down monster a defensive coordinator like Vic Fangio can get creative with by standing him up and bringing him from different angles.

Solomon Thomas, Stanford: Slowly, Solomon Thomas continues to close the gap between him and Garrett. He can stand up and rush if asked, though in Chicago, he'd wreak havoc by kicking inside on passing downs. He's easily in play at No. 3 and won't have a problem putting on a show in Indianapolis.

Derek Barnett, Tennessee: Versatility is the name of the game with Derek Barnett, a pass-rushing linebacker who can put his hand in the dirt in different packages. He's an incredible value if he falls to the second round.

Taco Charlton, Michigan: If all goes according to plan, Taco Charlton will swat away rumblings of inconsistency and lack of numbers in college by having a big day in Indianapolis. It's a good opportunity for the Bears, and Fangio wouldn't mind getting his hands on an end ready to play right away and chase a gigantic ceiling.

DeMarcus Walker, Florida State: Teams might have some problems slotting DeMarcus Walker on the field at first. In Chicago, he seems to have the strength to stand tall against the rush before kicking inside on passing downs.

Derek Rivers, Youngstown State: Derek Rivers hails from a smaller school, but it's important to keep in mind he trained under head coach Bo Pelini. The man knows his edge-rushers, and few players will put on shows like the one Rivers will at the combine.

Linebacker

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

Chicago will address linebacker at some point because of the injury issues along the depth chart.

Leonard Floyd looks like a major hit but had problems staying healthy. Pernell McPhee hasn't been able to stay on the field since joining the team, either. Lack of a consistent pass rush was one of the biggest problems with the team last year, so look for the Bears to hit on some linebacker depth in the second round or later.

Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt: While perhaps not the best fit on the edge of Chicago's linebacker corps, Zach Cunningham is an incessant tracker who could provide some insurance for the spotty inside linebacker spot, which has also dealt with notable absences lately.

Takkarist McKinley, UCLA: Though a bit of a project, Takkarist McKinley has the raw athleticism teams love to see from an outside rusher. He's an incredible way for the Bears to complement the names already on the roster, with his stock hovering in second-round range, provided he shows well next week.

Tim Williams, Alabama: Tim Williams might be on the lighter side at 252 pounds. He might also be a one-trick player who only gets after quarterbacks. These days, though, that isn't such a bad thing to have, and Williams would look good in Chicago's diverse front.

Tyus Bowser, Houston: Patience with a high-end prospect is something the Bears can afford, given the pieces already in place. Tyus Bowser could swap out with Floyd or McPhee and get after quarterbacks while learning.

Vince Biegel, Wisconsin: He doesn't have a huge ceiling, but a medical flag might push Vince Biegel way down the board. At a great value, Fangio could unleash him in certain packages to great effect while getting an ace special teams player. But medical checks at the combine are huge.

Cornerback

Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

The Bears have many names at corner, but nobody outside of Tracy Porter is established as reliable—and the veteran could always wind up as a cap cut. 

Kyle Fuller, Johnthan Banks (if he returns), Cre'Von LeBlanc and others represent unrealized potential at corner. But if the Bears want to hit the position in the first or second round and grab someone with huge upside, 2017 is one of the best times in recent memory to do so.

Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State: Nobody will dethrone Marshon Lattimore as the top corner, regardless of what happens at the combine. He's 6'1" with the athleticism to stick with almost any wideout he lines up against.

Teez Tabor, Florida: Though inconsistent, Teez Tabor picked off nine passes in college and seems like a first-round player who can lock down one side of the field. While maybe not in play at No. 3, he's a guy to watch if the Bears trade down.

Marlon Humphrey, Alabama: Marlon Humphrey is a rookie starter in a zone base, especially because he's 6'1" and unafraid to take risks. He needs some work, but he has more upside than anyone on Chicago's roster.

Sidney Jones, Washington: Some will rightfully argue the aforementioned Jones is a guy who can become the No. 1 corner in the class. While a lockdown prospect, coming in at 170 pounds is a huge knock, and adding muscle might hamper his speed.

Desmond King, Iowa: Desmond King fits both corner and safety classifications, which is a good thing. The Bears won't mind a versatile defensive back who can thump against the run or drop back in a deep zone.

Tre'Davious White, LSU: A man-cover corner who can't play every down isn't a terrible add for the Bears. Tre'Davious White is a slot guy who can play a monster role on special teams.

Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson: Though he could pass as a safety at 6'1" and 200 pounds, Cordrea Tankersley made his mark in college on the outside. Size like that and upside could have the Bears paying close attention in Indianapolis and in the second round.

Adoree' Jackson, USC: For a team with so many needs, Adoree' Jackson is perfect—he's a dangerous returner and keeps improving as a corner. Given his upward trajectory, he could start as a slot corner right away. 

Safety

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

There isn't much to talk about when it comes to safety in Chicago. Deon Bush is young and could still pan out, but the position overall might have been the worst on the Bears, which is saying something.

Like corner, if the Bears want to seek out a reliable starter who can play well for a long time, 2017 is a great time to do so—starting right at No. 3.

Malik Hooker, Ohio State: The Bears would grab a guy like Malik Hooker based on upside alone. He's raw in many areas, but few can make the far-ranging plays he does already.

Jamal Adams, LSU: The nice thing about Jamal Adams is his ability to line up at either safety spot. He's an immediate starter and provides the Bears some flexibility based on what they want to do elsewhere.

Jabrill Peppers, Michigan: Jabrill Peppers will turn plenty of heads in Indianapolis. But he's an in-the-box presence only who thrives against the run and can return kicks.

Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut: Few will rise as high as Obi Melifonwu at the combine, which is what happens when a 6'4", 219-pound player goes to work. A run defender first, Melifonwu would fit well in Chicago at the right value.

Budda Baker, Washington: Though small at 5'10" and 180 pounds, Budda Baker has the rest of what the Bears would look for in a deep-zone player. He won't multitask by taking on tight ends, but he's a nice value as a consolation prize.

Marcus Williams, Utah: Marcus Williams is underrated as far as this class goes. But he's an elite athlete with the matching instincts to help him thrive deep in the middle of the field, and he should measure well at the combine.

Quarterback

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Bears have a wide range of options at quarterback. With Jay Cutler on his way out the door, the front office could choose to roll with a veteran stopgap solution. Drafting a rookie at No. 3 and starting him works, as does drafting one there and starting a veteran all year. 

Looking past the third pick, the Bears could roll with a mid-round option and start or sit him for a year. This isn't as sexy as a potential franchise guy at No. 3, but the 2017 class offers some intriguing depth players who could be able to develop into starters.

Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina: Mitch Trubisky seems to have a hold on the top quarterback spot for now. He's got it all, with the only major flag on film being him crumbling under pressure. But his arm, making reads and accuracy are all plus traits making him worth a top-three pick.

DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame: Slighted unfairly, thanks to a miserable roster around him, DeShone Kizer enters the combine with good size (6'4", 230 pounds) and the abilities to extend plays with his feet and hit with high accuracy while on the run. Also a top-three contender.

Deshaun Watson, Clemson: One has to take the good with the bad when it comes to Deshaun Watson. He won a title and led teams better than most in college—and he was productive while doing so. The drawback is the questionable decisions at times, but if the Bears believe they can correct the problems, he's worth the third pick.

Patrick Mahomes II, Texas Tech: Perhaps the most polarizing quarterback in the class, Patrick Mahomes II is a productive player with alluring upside. A team like the Bears will have to decide if his lack of consistent mechanics is a bad thing, or if they can forgive it, thanks to how he produces. He's an incredible value in the second round.

Brad Kaaya, Miami: Call Brad Kaaya the inverse Mahomes. He's sound from a mechanical standpoint, but he doesn't flow well or show crazy arm strength. A quality developmental option, should the Bears want to go that route.

Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh: The Bears had a front-row seat to Nathan Peterman at the Senior Bowl. While not a rookie starter, he has plus marks in places like reading defenses and anticipation, which is a great place to start a coaching job for a team drafting a mid-round passer.

Davis Webb, California: Hype surrounded Davis Webb for about a week, which is the norm for pre-draft season. Webb is 6'5" and has good poise, but he needs help with fundamentals and struggles to push the ball down the field. He's a solid option in the fourth round if the Bears want to coach up a guy.

Jerod Evans, Virginia Tech: Jerod Evans might have the most upside of any quarterback outside of the first round. He has a booming arm and bulldozes defenders with a 6'4", 230-pound frame. He'll need to work on reads at the next level, but his upside is quality starter, which isn't bad for a guy who should make it to Day 3.

Stats and info courtesy of the NFL Scouting Combine's official participants list unless otherwise specified.