NEWSLETTER
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: Running back
Need: High
Currently on the Roster:
CBSSports.com’s Top-5 Prospects:
- Cole Tracy, LSU
- Matt Gay, Utah
- John Baron II, San Diego State
- Austin Seibert, Oklahoma
- Justin Yoon, Notre Dame
Best of the Rest: Emmit Carpenter, Minnesota; Chase McLaughlin, Illinois
Team Fit
The Bears’ season ended when Cody Parkey missed what would have been a game-winning 43-yard field goal on Wild-Card Sunday against the Eagles. Parkey also missed seven field goals during the regular season and three extra-point attempts. Also, he’s no longer on the team, so, yeah, kicker is a need.
So while Parkey’s time with the Bears is done, a kicking competition that will take place at training camp in the preseason will likely unearth his replacement. That competition could ultimately include a kicker who is drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent. It could be one of the kickers listed above or someone who is flying off the radar. GM Ryan Pace hinted at no stone being left un-turned in this process, so good luck pinning down one prospect as a lock.
Most Likely to be Available When the Bears Are on the Clock:
Should the Bears decide to use a draft pick on a kicker, they’ll certainly have their pick of the litter because none of the draft-eligible kickers are expected to go before Round 7. Then again, drafting a kicker might not be the best use of the team’s draft assets.
The Bears Have Reportedly Met With…
Matt Gay, Utah; Marc Orozaco, Grambling; Austin Seibert, Oklahoma; Parker Shaunfield, Southern Miss; Cole Tracy, LSU
If I Had to Pick One:
Utah’s Matt Gay has a powerful leg, an intriguing back-story, and enough confidence to say he is comfortable kicking from 60 yards away. LSU’s Cole Tracy has confidence, accuracy, and the prospect pedigree that comes with playing in the SEC. Gay gets a leg up because of his pure leg strength, but either kicker would be worth adding to the competition.
