Chicago Bears Now In Perfect Position For NFL Draft

Going into the off-season, the Chicago Bears had three glaring spots on their roster consider big weaknesses.  In no particular order they were inside linebacker, defensive end and right guard.  Shea McClellin and Christian Jones failed in their bids to stick at linebacker, showing a decided lack of aggression against the run and struggling in coverage.

Injuries and off-the-field issues wreaked havoc on a thin end position.  Ray McDonald ruined his brief opportunity with another domestic violence arrest.  Ego Ferguson and Cornelius Washington were lost for the season.  Jarvis Jenkins and Will Sutton were serviceable but hardly mainstays.

As for right guard, it was a constant headache as both Vladimir Ducasse and Patrick Omameh traded opportunities, only to struggle with various issues, the biggest culprit being penalties.  So it was apparent GM Ryan Pace had his work cut out for him going into the 2016 off-season.  Could he fill all those needs and still continue to build the roster towards a championship level?

Turns out all he needed was four moves.  Four new contracts to, if not solve than at least alleviate the problem.  He brought in Bobby Massie to take over at right tackle, allowing Pro Bowler Kyle Long to resume his post at right guard where he is far more dominant.  Then he added Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, two of the most proven 3-4 inside linebacker in the league.  Last but not least?  Akiem Hicks arrived with his 6’5″, 323 lbs frame to assume starter duties at defensive end.

Pace has filled each need with proven talents who are still under the age of 30.  Keep in mind he’s done this without overspending the rich amount of salary cap space he had.  Best of all?  He’s eliminated any thoughts the Bears might’ve had at filling a need with the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft.  That chain has been snapped.  Now he is free to do what he said was the plan from the start:  target the absolute best players available.

Will it be a franchise tackle like Ronnie Stanley?

Perhaps a premier cover corner in a Vernon Hargreaves III?

What about a 3-4 pass rushing linebacker like a Noah Spence or Leonard Floyd?

Or even, dare one say it, a running back in Ezekiel Elliott or (gasp) a quarterback like Jared Goff or Carson Wentz?

These possibilities are wide open to Pace and the Chicago Bears now.  Position is no longer the focus.  Talent is.  The team has said their goal is to acquire as many playmakers as they can find because playmakers win football games at the end of the day.  The more a team has on the field, regardless of which side of the ball they play on, the better their chances are to win.  It’s just a matter of waiting and watching to see what they do next.