DeForest Buckner may be the end game for the Chicago Bears in the NFL draft, and here is how they could get him.
Obviously the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. If Buckner is the prize the Bears seek, and there is every reason to believe he should be, then trading up for him is the most logical course of action. Of course that would mean giving up a considerable amount of draft picks, something that may not sit well with GM Ryan Pace. Thus this will center around how the Oregon defensive end, who is an ideal fit for the Bears’ scheme, could slip to them at #11.
First we must start with the easy parts. Los Angeles and Philadelphia will be taking quarterbacks with the 1st and 2nd picks overall. That is set in stone. So the first spot Buckner could technically land is San Diego at #3.
#3 – San Diego Chargers
Needs: OT, C, S, DE
Two things to keep in mind here. Philip Rivers was sacked 40 times in 2015 and the Chargers just lost Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle to free agency. That makes an offensive lineman like Laremy Tunsil or top defensive back Jalen Ramsey far more likely.
Likely Pick: Tunsil
#4 – Dallas Cowboys
Needs: DB, QB, RB, DT
Buckner might make a good fit at defensive tackle for the Cowboys, but it’s far more likely they’ll have eyes for Ramsey. If he isn’t available they a favored more to go after a pass rusher like Joey Bosa, especially after losing their top three options to free agency and suspensions the past few months.
Likely Pick: Ramsey
#5: Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: DB, OL, LB
Buckner could go to Jacksonville of course, but this possibility took a big hit when the team spent $90 million to sign top free agent Malik Jackson who will play defensive tackle. There is a chance the Jaguars could look to trade down, but if they don’t odds say they might take linebacker Myles Jack, left tackle Ronnie Stanley (to replace the struggling Luke Joeckel) or bolster their pass rush further with Bosa.
Likely Pick: Jack
#6: Baltimore Ravens
Needs: OL, CB, OLB, WR
This team should be considered the first real threat to grab Buckner. Ozzie Newsome is a GM who believes in taking the best players on his board. It’s hard to imagine Buckner not being there. Still, with Stanley still on the board as well as Bosa and Vernon Hargreaves III at corner, chances are good they may elect to meet one of their bigger needs.
Likely Pick: Bosa
#7: San Francisco 49ers
Needs: QB, LB, OL, WR
This has to be considered the biggest threat. Chip Kelly is a former Oregon coach who recruited Buckner there. They already have his former teammate Arik Armstead in place and word is the 49ers are keen on continuing to build their defense. That said, their quarterback situation remains unclear and Paxton Lynch should still be available. There is also Stanley, who could help improve what was a poor offensive line in 2015.
Likely Pick: Stanley
#8: Cleveland Browns
Needs: QB, WR, DL, LB, OL
This team has needs everywhere, so they might be focused on just acquiring top talent at this point, which puts Buckner very much in play. That said, Lynch is still on the board and since they’ve acquired their haul of extra picks should feel free to take him if they wish. He fits the mold that head coach Hue Jackson prefers: big body, strong arm, confident.
Likely Pick: Lynch
#9: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: CB, OT, S, DE
One of the few spots in the top 10 that seem to have a pick already locked in place. The Buccaneers secondary was atrocious in 2015 and cost them a number of games down the stretch. They have no reliable corners at present and know they might regret not getting the best one possible early. No question that’s Vernon Hargreaves.
Likely Pick: Hargreaves
#10: New York Giants
Needs: LB, WR, OL, RB, S
Thanks to a series of big free agent moves, the Giants defensive line has undergone a major overhaul. So the probability they would add what many might see as a luxury who doesn’t really fit their system in Buckner is unlikely. The higher chances point to an offensive addition. Either they may seek more protection for Eli Manning in a tackle like Jack Conklin or perhaps find another weapon. Ezekiel Elliott is still available.
Likely Pick: Elliott
There it is. A logical, possible breakdown of how the best defensive lineman in the 2016 NFL draft could fall to the Chicago Bears at the 11th pick. Stranger things have happened. This isn’t even accounting for one or two possible surprise picks going in the top 10, which almost always happens. So, believe or not, the odds may be better than many fans think. It’s just a matter of getting a couple fortunate bounces.
One would imagine the Bears are due for a few.