Ryan Pace Speaks: Ideal Draft Scenario, Floyd’s Future, Buying Fuller’s Upside, More

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace sat down with an exclusive Q&A session with Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, during which a variety of topics were discussed. Pace sure has a lot to talk about at this point of what has been a busy offseason with a new coach, a handful of new faces signed via free agency, and more to come in the draft.

You’ll want to read the entire Q&A to get the entire scope of the conversation. But first, some highlights:

  • Because the Bears believe in Mitch Trubisky as their quarterback, Pace is hoping other teams drafting in front of them see something in this crop of signal callers to the point where four go off the board before the team goes on the clock with the No. 8 pick. Pace isn’t sure if it’s realistic, but that’s not keeping him from holding out hope. “We have to prepare for all of those scenarios. We’ll prepare for best case and we’ll prepare for worst case. That’s what is fun this time of year. You have all of your evaluations in. Now we prepare for all of those different things that can transpire.”
  • What Pace calls fun, I call nervously awaiting draft day hoping the best player available at No. 8 is someone who can step right in and start right away as an impact player and not a project that forces us to play the waiting game. I’m not asking too much, am I? In any case, the Bears are in prime position to grab an impact talent by virtue of holding a top-10 pick. And here’s hoping this is the last time they’re picking this high for a while.
  • Pace has previously discussed the possibilities of trading up or down in this draft, but teams haven’t come burning up the Bears’ phone lines to discuss the availability of the No. 8 pick just yet. Though, that doesn’t seem to surprise Pace. “I think that will heat up as you get closer. When the Jets came up (from No. 6 to No. 3), they were putting themselves in a position where they know they can (get a player they want) where maybe No. 8 is a little too far back for that. It’s hard to predict.”
  • The Jets trade with the Colts had nothing to do with the Bears directly, but still had plenty of Chicago-related implications when it comes to who could be available when Pace and his front office go on the clock. And to think, the Colts could further complicate things with another trade back, should they so choose. Business is about to pick up soon when it comes to draft season.
  • It’s possible the Bears use this upcoming top-10 pick on an impact defender for the second time in three years. Pace is still high on edge defender/outside linebacker/pass rusher Leonard Floyd, who looked to be coming into his own before a season-ending knee injury. In fact, Pace believes Floyd is coming close to becoming the impact player he envisioned when he traded up to take the University of Georgia product in 2016. “He’s really, really close,” Pace said when asked how far away Floyd was from being a dominant player. “He’s gotten stronger each year in the league and now it’s just a matter of him staying on the field. He’s working to become a more durable player and if he does, he’s very close to being (dominant.)”
  • It would be nice to see Floyd used exclusively as a pass rusher, but because versatility is key to Vic Fangio’s defense, I won’t hold my breath. There is no doubt he is athletic enough to be thrown into coverage and he hasn’t been awful when asked to do so. But Pace says the best thing Floyd does is rush the passer and was drafted primarily because of his pass-rushing skills. That doesn’t mean he can’t be used elsewhere as a defender.
  • Now I’m dreaming about the possibility of having a dominant pass rusher on a defense that certainly needs one, if not two. From where I sit, an ideal draft day scenario would be North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb dropping all the way to No. 8, where Pace goes all Usain Bolt on us and makes the pick in record time. Putting a pass-rusher with Chubb’s potential on the other side of Floyd is the stuff defensive dreams are made of … well, at least our dreams.
  • Even though the Green Bay Packers tried to make the Bears think twice about re-signing Kyle Fuller based on the structure of his contract, Pace didn’t blink when it was time to make a decision whether to match the offer sheet. And it’s not just because of how the deal was drawn up, either. Pace seems to think Fuller can play up to his contract, which has a $14 million average salary that ranks fifth among cornerbacks. “He played like one of the better corners in the league (last) year. So, you’re evaluating him currently but … you are also evaluating the projection. He’s a good young player for us that we feel is still ascending.”
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...

    Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

    Bet $5 with FanDuel Promo Code, Win $200 Bonus Including NCAA Tournament

    This weekend is packed with great sports action including the NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NBA for bettors. Check out the FanDuel promo code to score a $200 bonus if your first $5 bet wins! If you live in NC, you...

    DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

    This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...

    Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...

    Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

    We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

    Fanatics NC Promo Code Scores Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Over 10 Days: Dive into North Carolina Sports Betting

    After a long wait, legal sports betting has finally arrived in the Tar Heel State. Fanatics NC, along with host of other sports books are up and operating in North Carolina. This exciting development opens doors for fans to wager...

    more bears news