Exploring All The Chicago Bears 2016 Draft Scenarios

2 of 5

Best Player Available

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This is often the most popular ideal put forth by teams. It doesn’t matter the position they take as long as the player is the absolute best on the board. In truth though, head coach Tom Coughlin put it a different way. He explained that Best Player Available goes like this: if a group of players all with similar grades end up available when his team goes on the clock, they are then free to choose whichever player they prefer based on the most pressing need.

In other words it might not be the most glaring need that is addressed, but it’s in the ballpark. Some need is sacrificed in favor of talent. That is what B.P.A is. So with that in mind, here’s how the draft played out.

Vernon Hargreaves III. 1. player. 57. The Bears have just about seen enough of Kyle Fuller as the cornerback of the future for this team. He routinely struggles in coverage, both with discipline and vision. Coaches are losing patience with his lack of progress. This defense needs dependable corners and needs them soon. Vernon Hargreaves III routinely ranks among the best in the 2016 class. Though he gives up some height at 5’11”, he makes up for it with outstanding athleticism, agility, instinct and makeup speed in coverage. He’s also a reliable tackler, rarely giving up much yardage after the catch. Swagger and confidence are not an issue with him at all.. CB. Florida

2. player. 57. The good news is the Bears know they are pretty much set at one tackle position thanks to Kyle Long, who is rapidly adapting to it and retaining his Pro Bowl form. However, the other spot is questionable. Veteran Jermon Bushrod is suffering from age and injury issues while Charles Leno Jr., though not overly terrible in relief the past few weeks, doesn’t look like a legitimate long-term answer. Jack Conklin is one of the best tackles in the country. He’s big, strong, disciplined and equally good going forward as he is in pass protection. While not a top tier athlete, he makes up for it with good technique. A left tackle at Michigan State, he could man that spot for the Bears but he might be better served shifting to the right, allowing the more athletic Long to assume the responsibility of guarding Jay Cutler’s blind side.. OT. Michigan State. Jack Conklin

OLB. Virginia Tech. Dadi Lhomme Nicolas. 3. player. 57. Pernell McPhee was a superb find by Ryan Pace for the defense at outside linebacker, but the key to a truly successful 3-4 is if it has two that can rush the passer. So finding another should top the list of priorities. Dadi Lhomme Nicolas possesses the lean, athletic frame for the position along with a critical element: a great first step. He flies off the snap and can often catch tackles off guard with the eye discipline to never lose the football. Where he must improve is his strength as he sometimes can be swallowed up by bigger blockers.

Next: QB

Home/NFL Draft