Fansided
Fansided

Chicago Bears: Prospects they’ve met with more than once

By Erik Lambert

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs for a 17-yard touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Texas A&M won 52-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs for a 17-yard touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Texas A&M won 52-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chicago Bears are one of the best teams in the NFL when it comes to keeping their draft motives a secret. Something that frustrates fans.

GM Ryan Pace is a man driven by secrecy. The less opponents know about his intentions, the more control he has over his teams’ direction. That’s what led to his blockbuster trades for Mitch Trubisky and Khalil Mack among several other big moves. Nowhere is he better at concealing plans than for the draft. That will prove especially easy in 2019 since the Bears have no 1st or 2nd round picks. Still, not even their boat is leak proof.

People inevitably find out about visits or meetings they’ve had with certain prospects. Some of those they’ve met multiple times ended up being acquired by the team. Ryan Nall was one example in 2018 and Mitch Trubisky another the year before. So it’s at least something worth monitoring. Based on the latest information, here is every player they’ve met more than once.

Miles Sanders (RB, Penn State)

It’s no secret the Bears are in the hunt for a new running back. Matt Nagy did what he could with Jordan Howard but it’s clear that the player and scheme simply don’t fit. Nagy needs somebody who is more of a threat in the passing game. Sanders showed far more natural ability as a pass catcher at Penn State in addition to being a good runner with quickness and balance. The Bears spoke with him at the combine and then had him in for a private workout.

More from NFL Mocks

Trayveon Williams (RB, Texas A&M)

All people will talk about is the fact that Williams is short at just 5’8. That didn’t seem to stop him from trampling teams for over 1,500 yards rushing. In the SEC no less. The kid has excellent vision mixed with the acceleration to burst through tight windows to the second level before defenses can close them off. He has decent speed and good hands. Like Sanders, he met with the Bears at the scouting combine before coming in for a private workout.

Mike Weber (RB, Ohio State)

Sensing a theme yet? The Bears are doing their homework on running backs and Mike Weber is another of those dual-threat types who can run the ball well and is also a receiving threat. The key with him is his durability. Weber dealt with nagging injuries at Ohio State, most of which he played through. He may not be a true workhorse back but could be a nice piece in a committee backfield. The Bears attended both his pro day and met with him privately.

Cole Tracey (K, LSU)

Hey remember that whole Cody Parkey missed field goal thing? Yeah, the Bears haven’t exactly found a replacement yet. They’ve signed a few guys thus far but none seem like optimal solutions. That’s why expectation remains strong they’ll grab somebody out of this rookie class. Tracey was one of the most accurate in 2018, knocking through some clutch field goals for his team. His leg strength is a question mark though.

Home/NFL Draft