Chicago Bears: 2018 Market Could Line Up Perfectly

If Ryan Pace planned things out this way then he could be considered a genius. Of course that’s unlikely but still. The Chicago Bears are sitting pretty for 2018.

Why? Going into next year the priorities are straightforward. They have their quarterback now with Mitch Trubisky progressing each week. His offensive line is steady and running game deep. The one area that is presenting challenges on offense is the wide receivers. Free agency (Alshon Jeffery) and injuries (Cameron Meredith) have sapped them of their best targets. If Trubisky is going to become that franchise guy, he needs the weapons to do it.

On defense it’s all about the pass rush. Leonard Floyd was their only viable young specialist in that department and now he’s done for the year with a knee injury. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young could be gone next season due to age and injury issues of their own. That means Pace will be busy early and often to get this team some able rushers on the edge to compliment their strong defensive line.

Free agency and draft bending to the Bears needs at perfect time

So why is 2018 looking to be a good year for them? Based on the latest projections it looks like the pool of veteran and rookie talent will offer them ample opportunities to solve both problems. Start with free agency. Thanks to series of rare circumstances, it looks like the upcoming class could feature an array of proven talents including some Pro Bowlers:

• Jarvis Landry
• Alshon Jeffery
• Davante Adams
• Paul Richardson
• Terrelle Pryor
• Allen Robinson
• Sammy Watkins
• Marqis Lee
• Jordan Matthews

On the flip side the NFL draft looks like it could be a strong year at the edge rusher position, particularly of the 3-4 outside linebacker variety. It’s still early and some players may choose to stay in school but as things stand the list is impressive. Thus far as many as seven names are getting 1st round buzz. That’s not counting those who may rise during the pre-draft process. Three are projected to go in or near the top 10. Chicago currently holds the rights to the #6 overall pick.

Next: Chicago Bears: 2017 Draft Class Updated Report Card

It would take a series of major blunders or bad luck for Pace to screw this up. Thus far he’s proven himself an able GM who knows how to operate within the shifting sands of an off-season. He’ll have lots of money and six highly placed draft picks at his disposal. It could be a big spring for Chicago.