Bears Draft Notes: Risk-Reward With Thomas, Crazy Safety Depth, Pass Rush Help, Butt’s Scouting Report, More

Exactly one month from now, we’ll be staring directly at Day 2 of the NFL Draft after already discussing what the Chicago Bears did with their first-round selection. Or perhaps selections, if the team was bold enough to trade into the back end of the first round, or trade back from pick three.

We’ll see what happens …

  • There is a particular amount of risk that comes with every draft pick, especially when it comes to top-five picks. Stanford’s Solomon Thomas is a talented defender who projects to be off the board early and could be a fit for several teams at the top, including the Bears. Chris Emma of CBS Chicago writes the Bears have to weigh the high-risk, high-reward factors when it comes to Thomas, whose tweener status casts a shadow of doubt on his upside. Thomas said he believes he can play in any system, which would be a boon for Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and his creative 3-4 scheme. But Thomas would be undersized and unfamiliar with certain positions along the front seven, which would be a cause for concern and something the Bears (or whoever drafts Thomas) to work on and get squared away before Week 1. It would be a tall task, but one that could be worth it if Thomas is the dynamic playmaking pass rusher he seems to believe he is and can be.
  • Thomas is one of many high-profile pass rushers who will be available in April’s draft. Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo breaks down the top pass rushers from each side of the field. Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett projects to be the top overall pick, and for good reason, as he’s all over the top of the charts here. However, there is depth at this position and it’s something the Bears could keep in mind on draft weekend. For example, Trey Hendrickson of Florida Atlantic had the best pass rush productivity (often against left tackles) by PFF’s standards – but is rated 11th among defensive ends and a projected third-round pick, according to CBS Sports.
  • Quarterbacks often have a high boom-bust rate, so it’s no shock that three quarterbacks are among this crop of the NFL Draft’s riskiest prospects on offense. The list includes three of Mike Mayock’s four highest-rated quarterbacks (including top dog DeShone Kizer), his top-rated running back (Leonard Fournette), and a top-five tackle (Jermaine Eluemunor). We took a bit of a dive into Mayock’s most recent rankings update here and observed some of the safer picks on the draft board here.
  • Michigan tight end Jake Butt doesn’t make the boom-or-bust list, but there is risk involved when taking a player coming off an ACL injury suffered in his final collegiate game. Even still, Butt is one of the draft’s top tight end prospects. The PFF analysis team has a scouting report on Butt, who could provide excellent value as a pass catcher. While the Bears invested a significant chunk of change on unproven tight end Dion Sims in hopes he develops into a dual threat at the position, depth at that spot is still a concern. And even though Zach Miller graded out as one of the league’s better pass-catching options at tight end, he will play in his age 33 season in 2017 and is coming off an injury-shortened 2016.
  • Over at Pro Football Weekly, Kevin Fishbain takes a look at the deep crop of safeties – many of whom the Bears could have an eye on (for obvious reasons) in April’s draft. Safeties have been traditionally undervalued in the draft, but that could change in 2017 with the high-end level of talent and increased need to stop playmaking receivers and tight ends. The Bears added to their safety depth when they signed Demps this offseason, but the team still lacks a secondary playmaker with upside and playmaking potential, which puts the Bears in a spot to make a play on a player such as UConn’s Obi Melifonwu, Ohio State’s Malik Hooker, Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers (who had an awesome pro day), and LSU’s Jamal Adams, among others.
  • Speaking of Adams, teammate Tre’Davious White had high praise for his former secondary running-mate:
  •  

    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

    Sounds Like Caleb Williams and the Bears Are Already Hashing Out His Rookie Deal

    The latest from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is QB-heavy. And if you're a fan of the Chicago Bears, you will want the section dedicated to Caleb Williams. There is all sorts of good stuff about his play style, background,...

    QB Friendly Bears, New Lions Threads, Tottenham-bound, and Other Bears Bullets

    I'll say this about Taylor Swift: Surprise dropping a double album (with the second installment dropping at 1 a.m. CT) prepared me for how to best piece together Bears content at an unholy hour next week while simultaneously trying to...

    What About Byron Murphy II as a Bears Target With the No. 9 Pick?

    I'm starting to wonder if maybe University of Texas star Byron Murphy II fits the bill as a Chicago Bears draft target.. In his latest at NBC Sports Chicago, Bears insider Josh Schrock wonders if Chicago's football team could be...

    One Pundit Thinks Trading Up to Draft Joe Alt Makes Sense For the Bears

    The idea of the Chicago Bears drafting a butt-kicking offensive tackle is something that continues to pop up. Perhaps Notre Dame's Joe Alt is something on the team's radar. NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah opines Alt could be someone...

    Chicago Bears 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks To Surround Caleb Williams

    The winds of change are howling through Halas Hall. After years (decades) of searching, the Chicago Bears appear set to finally land their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, with the top overall pick. This signals a new era for the Bears, but the...

    Draft Day is Coming, NFC North QB Prospect Watch, Crews, Warren, and Other Bears Bullets

    The Chicago Cubs finished a winning road trip with a series win against the defending NL champs. Taylor Swift has a new album that drops at 11 p.m. CT. And the Chicago Bears will usher in a new quarterback era...

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How Will Quarterback Chaos Unfold In First Round?

    Only one week remains until the biggest event of the NFL offseason — the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams is going first overall unless something totally unexpected happens. But outside of that, there are still so many questions left to...

    Chicago Bears Mock Draft Trade Proposals Seem to Target One Particular Position

    I had a great visit with my therapist today. Between that and an afternoon cold brew, I've got enough in me to power through an evening Bears post. Let's dig into some recent mock drafts that are giving off a...

    Sounds Like the Bears Will Consider Taking Brock Bowers If They Stay at No. 9

    For all the discussion about the big three wide receivers who could be on the Chicago Bears radar on NFL Draft weekend, a different high-profile pass-catcher is apparently garnering some interest from the team. All-American tight end Brock Bowers had...

    Bears Hire Ted Crews as Special Advisor to President Kevin Warren

    The Chicago Bears continue building out their organizational staff around President Kevin Warren. And their latest addition arrives to Halas Hall with three Super Bowl rings in tow. The team announced the hiring of Ted Crews, who has spent the...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Giants: Live Stream or on TV

    On Saturday, Zac Gallen will take the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) versus Kyle Harrison and the San Francisco Giants (9-11), with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at Oracle Park.The article below will provide you with everything...

    Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9), with Gavin Stone on the mound, host the New York Mets (10-8) who will start Jose Butto, at 4:05 PM ET on Saturday in a series opener.Keep reading to find out all the details on...

    Cardinals vs. Brewers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Saturday, Miles Mikolas will start for the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) versus D.L. Hall and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6), with first pitch scheduled for 2:15 PM ET at Busch Stadium.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for...

    Cubs vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Saturday, Javier Assad will start for the Chicago Cubs (12-7) versus Jesus Luzardo and the Miami Marlins (4-16), with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV...

    Twins vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Bailey Ober will take the mound for the Minnesota Twins (6-11) when they host starting pitcher Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (10-9) in a series opener on Saturday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out...

    Yankees vs. Rays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Nestor Cortes Jr. will take the mound for the New York Yankees (14-6) when they host starting pitcher Zach Eflin and the Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) on Saturday, with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...

    Reds vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cincinnati Reds (10-9), led by Elly De La Cruz, host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (9-11) on Saturday at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Cincinnati-Los Angeles matchup below.When is Reds vs. Angels...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians (14-6), led by Josh Naylor, host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (8-12) at 6:10 PM ET on Saturday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Cleveland play Oakland live.When is Guardians vs....

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

    The Seattle Mariners (9-10), who will give the start to Luis Castillo, visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) with Dakota Hudson on the mound, Saturday at 8:10 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming...

    How to Watch Orioles vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

    Corbin Burnes takes the mound for the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) when they visit starting pitcher Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals (12-7) at 7:10 PM ET on Saturday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch...

    more bears news