Chicago Bears: 2017 NFL Draft Need Power Rankings
By Erik Lambert
It may be months away but ongoing events continue to shape how the Chicago Bears might end up looking at the 2017 NFL draft next April.
The reason this will be put in the form of power rankings is simply because needs for a draft shift as a season goes on, just like the placement of a team in tradition rankings does based on their win-loss record. It will cover the top needs that currently face GM Ryan Pace and the coaching staff and why. Let it be known that injuries will play just one part of the decision-making process, despite how prevalent they are at the moment.
#1: Tight End
It’s important to maintain perspective and not have knee-jerk reactions when it comes to long-term outlook. At the start of this year there were some positions on the Bears roster that looked fairly solid but don’t anymore because of injuries. Tight end is not one of them. This position has looked the same from start to finish, which is weak. Not only has it dealt with a number of health concerns of its own, there is also a general lacking talent to consider as well.
Zach Miller is a nice story and a good athlete. He’s also fragile. Before last year he didn’t play for three-straight seasons and is has since seen a concussion knock him out for most of the preseason. Khari Lee was and still is an ill-advised trade acquisition by Ryan Pace. Tony Moeaki and Rob Housler offer veteran depth but little else. Forget about the Martellus Bennett trade. None of this would be an issue had the Bears not traded Greg Olsen five years ago. Think about that.
Next: #2