Chicago Bears: Possible Player-For-Pick Draft Targets
By Erik Lambert
Sep 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) sacks New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Picks are typically the target for draft-day trades. However, here are some possible players the Chicago Bears could eye as well.
LaMichael James – RB – San Francisco 49ers
GM Trent Baalke insists that there is no way the San Francisco 49ers plan to trade running back LaMichael James. It’s an interesting statement considering James hardly plays and now the 49ers have another promising young runner in Marcus Lattimore ready for action. Meanwhile the Bears are in search of quality depth behind starter Matt Forte. James, with his great speed, quickness and versatility would make a great fit in their offense. If San Francisco wished to move up in the first or second round but didn’t want to surrender too many picks, then including James in a deal with Chicago might work to their advantage.
Mike Glennon – QB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In addition to backup running back, the Chicago Bears offense also needs somebody behind Jay Cutler at quarterback. Thanks to a recent series of moves, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suddenly seem in position to no longer require the services of second-year man Mike Glennon, whom they replaced with former Bear backup Josh McCown. Glennon was a 2013 draft interest for Chicago head coach Marc Trestman and has starting experience. That and his youth would make him an ideal backup option in the short-term and perhaps more in the long run if Cutler doesn’t pan out. Much will depend on if the Bucs shop Glennon and if so how much they ask for in return.
Kawann Short – DT – Carolina Panthers
Defensive tackle is widely viewed as a top draft target for Chicago. Taking one in the early rounds is a popular idea but there may be a way to have their cake and eat it too. Last year the Carolina Panthers drafted two defensive tackles in the first and second rounds, Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. Lotulelei became a full-time starter, while Short, despite serious talent was relegated to rotation duty. Carolina on the other hand would love to get their hands on some offensive help, particularly a top wide receiver or left tackle. There is a chance Chicago could hold the keys to one of those prizes. If the Panthers really wanted to avoid mortgaging the few picks they have, they could offer Short as part of the deal, giving the Bears their needed young body in the middle and also an extra pick.
J.J. Wilcox – FS – Dallas Cowboys
Opinions vary wildly in regards to the Dallas Cowboys safety situation. Some fans believe more time is needed to make an assessment while many others feel the atrocious display last season was more than enough. At the heart of it was 2013 third round pick J.J. Wilcox who often looked overwhelmed on the field like many others on that defense. If the team truly is set at making changes, the Chicago Bears front office must consider going after Wilcox. The thing to remember here is he only just recently started playing safety in college. He hasn’t yet learned the position enough so it’s no wonder he struggled last season. If the Bears are willing to be patient, and recent trends hint they are, then Wilcox could be a strong, athletic addition to their secondary.