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: Quarterback, Running back, Wide receiver, Edge Rusher, Safety, Kicker
Need: Medium
Currently on the Roster (2018 Pro Football Focus Grade):
Pro Football Focus’ Top-5 Prospects:
- Byron Murphy, Washington
- Greedy Williams, LSU
- Deandre Baker, Georgia
- David Long, Michigan
- Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
Best of the Rest: Justin Layne, Michigan State; Julian Love, Notre Dame; Rock Ya-Sin, Temple; Jamel Dean, Auburn; Sean Bunting, Central Michigan
Team Fit
The Bears have a first-team All-Pro on one side of the field (Kyle Fuller) and a reliable presence ( Prince Amukamara) across from him. Buster Skrine hopes to pick up some new tricks and step his game up in a new system, while Sherrick McManis can hold down the fort in a pinch if things go off-script. Amukamara and Skrine are entering their age 30 seasons, while McManis turns 32 in December. Cornerback is a position where the Bears could stand to get younger. Because while cornerback looks like a strength right now, one can never have too many worthwhile cornerbacks.
Most Likely to be Available When the Bears Are on the Clock:
There are several intriguing mid-round prospects who could fit with the Bears as players who can provide an immediate impact, while also possibly filling in as a long-term solution at the position. Cornerbacks such as Trayvon Mullen (Clemson), Joejuan Williams (Vanderbilt), Kendall Sheffield (Ohio State), Jimmy Moreland (James Madison), and Kris Boyd (Texas) are among the possible targets.
The Bears Have Reportedly Met With…
Ugo Amadi, Oregon; Kris Boyd, Texas; Xavier Crawford, Central Michigan; Mark Fields, Clemson; Ka’Dar Hollman, Toledo; Lonnie Johnson, Kentucky; Julian Love, Notre Dame; Iman Marshall, USC; Jimmy Moreland, James Madison University; Ryan Pulley, Arkansas
If I Had to Pick One:
We recently discussed Michigan’s David Long as a cornerback who could be the best-available player when the Bears go on the clock with pick No. 87. Long checks in as PFF’s fifth-best cornerback prospect and No. 33 overall. And yet, some mock drafts have him lasting until the third, fourth, and even fifth round. If Chicago can swipe a top-5 positional talent and top-35 player with the 87th pick, it could be a real steal.
