Bears Draft Notes: More RB Visits, Perfect Fits, Prospect Rankings, More

Admittedly, it’s not easy to get pumped for the NFL Draft when your team doesn’t have picks in the first or second rounds. HOWEVER, Khalil Mack highlights and Anthony Miller hype go a long way toward holding me over.

We, as Bears fans, have survived rougher patches than this before and we’ll do it again … together!

  • Six words that should make every Bears fan smile ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft:
  • The Bears have no glaring need. Those six words should have Bears fans sleeping easy. Yes, we know the Bears have positions that need to be filled and fortified between now and the start of the season, but there isn’t a desperate need for a starter at any position. Remember how we felt about needing a pass-rusher last year? That existential dread is no longer with us. Thank goodness.
  • When it comes to running back visits, the Bears appear to subscribe to “the more, the merrier” concept. Eight of the Bears’ 30 official visits have gone to running backs, according to John “Moon” Mullin of NBC Sports Chicago. The list: Ryquell Armstead (Temple), Myles Gaskin (Washington), Josh Jacobs (Alabama), Alexander Mattison (Boise State), Miles Sanders (Penn State), Devin Singletary (Florida Atlantic), Mike Weber (Ohio State), Trayveon Williams (Texas A&M).
  • That’s a heck of a collection, as far as I’m concerned. Bears scouts have done well unearthing running back gems from prior draft classes, so there is a certain amount of confidence we should have that the powers that be can do it again.
  • For what it’s worth: Hall of Fame NFL executive Gil Brandt views Miles Sanders as a perfect fit for the Bears. Brandt notes that Jordan Howard’s “limited receiving skills” led to him being “expendable” and that Sanders could slide into a role with Tarik Cohen to create a new, more dynamic 1-2 punch. Where do I sign up?
  • Boise State’s Alexander Mattison could be the type of late-round diamond-in-the-rough type who shines in Chicago:
  • Dan Durkin’s profile of Mattison as a prospect and possible Bears fit paints a portrait of a running back who has ample strength and athleticism to be a solid one-cut rusher at the next level and someone who has reliable hands as a pass catcher. Mattison isn’t a perfect prospect. He could use some work in pass protection and his speed would’t be described as blazing. But still … there is considerable upside.
  • Pro Football Focus released its 250-player big board, which you should take some time out of your day, sort through some names, find your favorites, and tweet them at us at @BN_Bears. Because I’m sure you’re curious, here are the players who are ranked 87th, 126th, 162nd, 222nd, and 238th – which happen to be the picks the Bears have in the draft:

  • No. 87: Myles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
  • No. 126: Preston Williams, WR, Colorado State
  • No. 162: Corey Ballentine, CB, Washburn
  • No. 222: Kris Boyd, CB, Texas
  • No. 238: Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
  • Without any other context, I’d be pleased if the Bears were able to land Boyd and Williams as part of their draft class. Adding a pair of players with starters upside to the mix of depth at the cornerback and running back positions would help the Bears keep that competitive edge that great teams have. Because while having depth is important, talented depth that minimizes the drop off that generally occurs when you go down the depth chart is what separates pretenders and contenders.
  • Maybe I’m wrong, but Jordan Howard comps should be good:
  • There is certainly value in volume, especially at positions that could provide major impact plays. Depth at running back is key because that position group gets dinged up more than any other, but let’s not rule out the possibilities of the Bears adding more at the edge:
  • The Bears retained edge defender Aaron Lynch, but only on a one-year deal. If they can add another one via the draft who can be a contributor right away, it could help save the team the hassle of trying to find another Lynch in free agency next year and save some cap dollars along the way.
  • How about some tight end competition?
  • Texas A&M tight end Jace Sternberger is projected to be a middle-round pick. And while there isn’t a desperate need, Chicago’s interest in Sternberger could suggest the team isn’t 100 percent happy with its tight end position. But after losing Adam Shaheen for a lengthy amount of time due to injuries and not having Trey Burton available for a postseason game could force the Bears’ hand and push them toward bolstering that particular position group.
  • Knowing how much the Bears brain-trust values speed, it wouldn’t be surprising if a wide receiver pops up on their radar:
  • Ohio State’s Terry McLaurin caught our attention with during Senior Bowl week, while Missouri’s Emanuel Hall ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the Combine and earned a comparison to ex-Steelers receiver Mike Wallace. The idea of a low-volume, high-impact wide receiver who maximizes on his speed, athleticism, and short-area quickness could intrigue a number of teams.
  • An interesting tactic, to be sure. Though I’m not convinced the Bears would trade up into the second round:
  • 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

    REPORT: Bears to Announce Lakefront Stadium Plans on Wednesday

    The Chicago Bears stadium saga has as many plot twists as my abuela's favorite telenovelas. And the latest suggests that a move to Arlington Heights that once felt inevitable isn't in the cards as WGN reports that plans for the...

    The NFL Penalizing the Falcons For Tampering With Kirk Cousins Would Do the Bears a Favor

    At first, the NFL tampering case involving the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings got a "ha ha" out of me because former Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace and wide receiver Darnell Mooney were secondary characters in the story. But little...

    There He Goes: The Jets Are Trading Zach Wilson to the Broncos

    And then there was one. There were five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and only Trevor Lawrence remains with the team that selected him. That will be the case once the Zach Wilson trade...

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Quarterbacks

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team's four picks (Nos....

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Get Bold & Go All In On Offense

    It's Draft Week! After months of anticipation, the NFL's premier offseason event is finally here. We know how the first overall pick will go, but beyond that, we have a ton of unpredictability. Who will Washington take second? Will Arizona...

    Happy NFL Draft Week! Bears Buzz, Prospect Notes, Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

    Happy NFL Draft Week! We finally made it. I'm so happy to be here. Let's boogie. There are just three days until the Chicago Bears go on the clock with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Unless something...

    The Bears Took A Different Approach When Hosting Caleb Williams For Dinner

    Chicago Bears fans are about to enter their Caleb Williams era. And while it won't become officially official until Thursday, what is becoming more apparent with each passing day is how thorough the vetting process was for the Bears before...

    This Bears-Patriots Draft Trade Hypothetical is Awfully Tempting

    The 2024 NFL Draft is THIS WEEK. And you can expect the Chicago Bears to carry main character energy throughout the week. Armed with the No. 1 overall pick and a second top-10 selection, Chicago's football team will be at...

    Murphy as a Bears Fit, Draft Fallback Plans, Harbaugh’s Tattoo, and Other Bears Bullets

    I've been trying to make the most of my last weekend before NFL Draft Week begins for the Chicago Bears (and the other 31 teams in the league). Later today, I'll take a break from listening to the new Taylor...

    Eberflus and Waldron Spark Cubs Offense, Newfound Caleb Love, Remembering Bill Tobin, and Other Bears Bullets

    Sorry for the late version of post-brunch Bears Bullets. I'll make it up to you somehow. I don't want to lead off with somber news, but I do want to pay some respect to Bill Tobin. The former Bears exec...

    Latest News

    76ers vs. Knicks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 3 – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers are 4-point favorites in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, beginning at 7:30 PM ET on TNT. The Knicks lead the series...

    Magic vs. Cavaliers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 3 – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Orlando Magic are slight 1-point favorites heading into Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on Thursday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on NBA. The Cavaliers lead the...

    Bucks vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 2 – Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    The Indiana Pacers are slight 1-point underdogs in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, beginning at 8:30 PM ET on NBA. The Bucks are ahead 1-0 in...

    Timberwolves vs. Suns Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 2 – Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves are slight 3-point favorites in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on Tuesday, starting at 7:30 PM ET on TNT. The Timberwolves hold a 1-0 series...

    Mavericks vs. Clippers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 2 – Tuesday, April 23, 2024

    The Los Angeles Clippers bring a 0-1 series record into Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Mavericks are favored by 2.5 points in the matchup, which airs on TNT at 10:00 PM ET. The point...

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

    Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals (10-13) host Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (11-13) at 7:45 PM ET on Tuesday.See how to watch the St. Louis-Arizona matchup below.When is Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks and when does it start?This contest...

    Hurricanes vs. Islanders NHL Playoffs First Round Game 3 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The bookmakers pick the Carolina Hurricanes to top the New York Islanders in their clash on Thursday, April 25, with the visiting Hurricanes given moneyline odds of -155, and the Islanders at +130.Hurricanes vs. Islanders Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Hurricanes (-155)Underdog:...

    Maple Leafs vs. Bruins NHL Playoffs First Round Game 3 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

    The Toronto Maple Leafs play the Boston Bruins on Wednesday and are -115 on the moneyline, with the latter at -105.Maple Leafs vs. Bruins Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Maple Leafs (-115)Underdog: Bruins (-105)Total: 5.5Best Maple Leafs vs. Bruins Promo Codes[lasso type="table"...

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

    Logan Webb takes the mound for the San Francisco Giants (11-13) when they host starting pitcher Luis Severino and the New York Mets (12-10) at 9:45 PM ET on Tuesday.See how to watch the San Francisco-New York matchup below.When is...

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

    Grayson Rodriguez will take the mound for the Baltimore Orioles (15-7) when they visit starting pitcher Griffin Canning and the Los Angeles Angels (9-14) on Tuesday, with first pitch at 9:38 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep...

    more bears news