It’s time for the next step of the Chicago Bears’ offseason of talent acquisition: The 2019 NFL Draft. We’re going to look at some of the best prospects at various positions of interest leading up to the draft.
Previous: None
Need: High
Currently on the Roster (2018 Pro Football Focus Grade):
Pro Football Focus’ Top-5 Prospects:
- Josh Jacobs, Alabama
- David Montgomery, Iowa State
- Miles Sanders, Penn State
- Bryce Love, Stanford
- Darrell Henderson, Memphis
Best of the Rest: Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic; Devine Ozigbo, Nebraska; Damien Harris, Alabama; Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma; Jordan Scarlett, Florida
Team Fit
With Mike Davis set to take over Jordan Howard’s role (with a bit more pass-catching production) and Tarik Cohen back in his familiar place, the Bears are in search of a running back who ties the room together. A two-way back who can contribute immediately, but also has starter’s upside moving forward would be the perfect fit. Finding that player is probably easier said than done (especially without as many top picks as usual), but there are a handful of backs who could slide to the middle rounds and fit the bill for the Bears.
Most Likely to be Available When the Bears Are on the Clock:
Unless the Bears make a surprising move up the draft board, Josh Jacobs will be long gone by the time the Bears are picking. The good news is that there should be opportunities to draft a running back in Round 3 (or even later!). It’s possible that David Montgomery or Miles Sanders could be gone by the time the Bears pick. If that’s the case, Darrell Henderson, Devin Singletary, Alexander Mattison (Boise State), Ryquell Armstead (Temple) are among the backs who could be picked in the later rounds.
The Bears Have Reportedly Met With…
Bruce Anderson, North Dakota; Ryquell Armstead, Temple; Antoine Connor, Upper Iowa; Myles Gaskin, Washington; Josh Jacobs, Alabama; Bryce Love, Stanford; Alexander Mattison, Boise State; Jalin Moore, Appalachian State; Devine Ozigbo, Nebraska; Miles Sanders, Penn State; Devin Singletary, FAU; Benny Snell, Kentucky; Lexington Thomas, UNLV; Mike Weber, Ohio State; Dexter Williams, Notre Dame; James Williams, Washington State; Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M
If I Had to Pick One:
Landing Alabama’s Josh Jacobs would be a dream scenario that would likely cost the Bears a pick from the 2020 NFL Draft (and then some). But he is the best and most well-rounded back in the draft, so he could be worth it. Otherwise, Miles Sanders (Penn State) and Mike Weber (Ohio State) are ideal mid-round targets who could be most appealing. Anthony Miller’s college teammate, Tony Pollard, could also be a fit because of what he brings to the table – even if he isn’t high on PFF’s board.