The Chicago Bears hold the #8 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. It marks the fourth-straight time they’ll likely make a choice in the top 10.
It presents yet another opportunity to land a top tier talent for their young roster. It’s a matter of which direction they’ll want to go. GM Ryan Pace won’t tell anybody of course. He’s always been someone who values radio silence above all else. Still, if fans are anxious to find out where the Bears might go, they merely have to watch the Alabama-Clemson game happening in the Sugar Bowl. Loads of talents that will be top 10 options are on the field.
Many of them fitting the precise needs the Bears have. Is it a wide receiver for Mitch Trubisky they desire? Look no further than Calvin Ridley of the Crimson Tide. Watching him on tape it will be easy to get visions of Amari Cooper. They are practically the same size and same type of athletes. Ridley is pretty much the entire passing offense for Alabama and showcased a lot of why in the game. His mixture of quickness, speed and route running skill were giving defensive backs problems early.
This move by Calvin Ridley to get separation at the LOS is 🔥🔥#Alabama #SugarBowl #devy @DFF_Devy pic.twitter.com/92bZrA1b7S
— Jason DiRienzo (@allpurposescout) January 2, 2018
Unfortunately Ridley will be 24-years old in 2018, so the odds of him going in the top 10 for team like Chicago, a team that desperately needs a landmark pick are remote.
On the other hand Clelin Ferrell may be just what they could want
Somebody who might be far more appetizing is Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell. He had himself quite a game for the Tigers, living in the Alabama backfield most of the night. At 6’5″, 265 he’s a big guy but it doesn’t take long to see he’s not honed in by any scheme. His mix of size, power, quickness and athleticism make him a versatile player that can be moved around if needed. Add in a ton of length and it’s beyond difficult for tackles to block him with any consistency.
Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell (#99) is going to be a good one to watch in 2018. Gave Alabama OTs fits in the national championship game. pic.twitter.com/cUTeM2Gi6S
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 15, 2017
Given the uncertainty at the edge rusher position, having Ferrell across from Leonard Floyd would be a most appetizing idea. It comes down to what Pace will want to do. Recent history says he may choose not to sit at #8. Last year he went up from #3 to #2 and the year before that he went from #11 to #9. If there’s a player out there he covets, he won’t hesitate to go after him if it’s possible. Still if the Bears got either of these talents, they’d be in great shape.