Chicago Bears: 5 Senior Bowl Names You Want to Watch

The Chicago Bears coaching staff got a chance to coach the Senior Bowl last year. It’s proven to be an event that is worth watching.

Eventual 5th round pick Jordan Morgan participated in the 2017 game. The year prior the Bears got great looks at Deiondre Hall, Nick Kwiatkoski, DeAndre Houston-Carson and Cody Whitehair. Make no mistake the odds are strong that GM Ryan Pace will end up taking at least one player who was there in the draft. So it’s important to keep an eye on as many names as possible.

The tricky part is as yet the rosters aren’t complete. Players are still trickling in with accepted invites. So for now here’s a quick assessment of five names that Bears fans might want to log in their memories over the next few weeks. They could end up being quite prominent when the draft goes active in April.

Cedrick Wilson (WR, Boise State)

It’s no secret the Bears are in the market for a wide receiver. Or rather several wide receivers. Mitch Trubisky needs weapons. They might want to take a heavy interest in Wilson. He was quite the terror at Boise State this past season with 1,511 yards and seven touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich might enjoy hearing he torched his former team Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl for 221 yards. Wilson not only boasts athleticism, but he’s also 6’3″. What teams need to figure out is does he have decent speed and can he run routes?

Marquis Haynes (OLB, Ole Miss)

Edge rusher might actually be as big a need for the Bears as receiver. Their top three guys all ended 2017 on injured reserve. If it’s a lightning fast outside linebacker who can bend the edge with quickness and agility then Marquis Haynes is hard to beat. It’s often scary how much of a blur he can be. The lingering concerns with him are his overall body mass and his mental acuity. Haynes is reportedly no heavier than 230 lbs. That’s not nearly big enough. There are also rumors he doesn’t take coaching very well either. It takes him a long time to learn properly. The week of practices and the game will help clarify whether that’s true.

Tyrell Crosby (OT, Oregon)

Speaking of Helfrich, he most likely might have an eye on Tyrell Crosby, having helped recruit the offensive tackle to Oregon in the first place. The Bears are likely search for options along the offensive line and Crosby is one of the more underrated blockers in the draft class. First and foremost he’s a powerful run blocker who uses his size and length to good advantage. When healthy he is also a capable pass protection. His knowledge of Helfrich’s offense will also be a big deal. The lingering question is whether he’s fully healthy and if he moves well enough.

Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)

Vic Fangio has always had a particular type when it comes to his edge rushers. He likes athleticism and he likes length. If that still holds true than he’s going to be salivating over Marcus Davenport. The kid has been shooting up early boards thanks to being a 6’7″ athletic freak. He appears on tape to have every tool needed to go after quarterbacks. The problem is he’s lagging in the technique department. He still hasn’t learned how to use his length and hands properly. Coaches will want to see how well he learns again better competition.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Rain Across Top 10

Dallas Goedert (TE, South Dakota State)

The Bears just got done drafting Adam Shaheen. Why would they go after another tight end? For starters Shaheen isn’t a star yet and also there’s no NFL rule against having two good pass catchers at the position. Dallas Goedert just gets it when it comes to being a receiving tight end. He’s quick, athletic, has speed and some excellent hands. He plays with a fire and passion that is contagious. Matt Nagy will see a lot of Travis Kelce in him. What coaches will want to see at the Senior Bowl is whether he’s got any capacity at all to block.