Quenton Nelson Wants to Be Drafted by the Bears
The Chicago Bears addressed many offseason needs on offense when free agency opened up. And while one pretty big hole remains, one man seems up to the challenge of filling it:
Just talked to Quenton Nelson. Guess what he told me…I hope the #Bears draft me. #Facts pic.twitter.com/ZeivQTGnD0
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) March 22, 2018
If the Bears fulfill Nelson’s hope and draft him, it could be the start of something wonderful for an offense that looks to turn it around in 2018.
After adding skill position players on the outside and reserve quarterbacks to help aid in Mitch Trubisky’s growth in the offense, the Bears could use an offensive lineman who can lead the way. After all, good offenses don’t work without linemen who can protect the quarterback and clear running room for ball carriers coming out of the backfield.
Chicago had a good look at Nelson, with The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain noting that the team’s Assistant Director of College Scouting Jeff Shiver was on hand for Notre Dame’s pro day.
Reporters such as Jarrett Payton, Kevin Fishbain, Patrick Finley, and Chris Emma were also on hand and provided a close-up look via Twitter at Nelson (as well as teammate Mike McGlinchey) doing offensive line drills. If you love watching offensive linemen put in work, then these videos are for you:
Quenton Nelson is a flat out monster! He would really look good in the orange and blue. He’s a day1 starter & impact player for whoever selects him. #Bears #NotreDame #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/a86wi8EjEE
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) March 22, 2018
Quenton Nelson pic.twitter.com/FPdcPj96Kb
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) March 22, 2018
Iron sharpens iron. Quenton Nelson working with Mike McGlinchey at Notre Dame pro day. pic.twitter.com/SOqRBK6l3w
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) March 22, 2018
Quenton Nelson doing positional drills pic.twitter.com/szbksjROeR
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 22, 2018
One more Quenton Nelson drill. Future Bear? Future top-5 pick? pic.twitter.com/d00io61LuF
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 22, 2018
The Bears aren’t the only team with eyes on Nelson, though, which muddies the waters and lessens the possibilities of the All-American guard falling to No. 8.
Fishbain tweets that Nelson said he is meeting with the Colts and has dinner scheduled with the New York Giants. Both teams pick well ahead of the Bears.
The Bears cleared cap space (and a roster spot) when they decided not to pick up the third-year option on guard Josh Sitton, who has since signed with the Miami Dolphins. And while the team brought back Bradley Sowell as a swing tackle, and could use either Cody Whitehair or Eric Kush as a starting left guard, it’s all lined up for Nelson to be picked with the eighth overall selection. But whether or not he’ll be there when the Bears are on the clock remains to be seen.
