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The Chicago Bears made moves that looked like they were committing to the Justin Fields era last off-season, and now stare down the barrel of having two top-10 picks. Chicago brass has everything they need to give this franchise a fresh start and have multiple avenues that they can explore as we get into the draft process.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Last season may have taught the Bears a valuable lesson: Go with your gut.
They passed on a new signal caller in last season’s draft, which was a blessing and a curse. The blessing, they got D.J. Moore. The curse, they were stuck with a middle of the pack starter in Justin Fields.
In this draft they need to address the the offense from the top down, and it starts at quarterback. Caleb Williams is the pinnacle of the quarterback draft class, possessing every quality you could want from a starter at the next level. Chicago already has the infrastructure to make Williams’ job easy, it’s just a matter of allowing him to learn the system and watching his maturation as the season progresses.
Chicago can go one of two ways with their second pick: best player available or trade back for more draft capital. The latter is tempting but at the ninth pick they can address a need with one of the best players in the class. Jared Verse is a game-changer in every sense of the term.
His lightning quick first step and crafty pass rush moves will translate seamlessly at the next level. The Bears ranked 31st out of 32 in sacks per game, and getting an instant spark plug like Verse will boost those numbers.
The offense in Chicago needs to gain weapons on the outside not named D.J. Moore. The impending departure of Darnell Mooney in free agency could see them address the receiver position in the third round.
Players that help your young quarterback are paramount when picking late in the draft, and Ricky Pearsall fits that mold. His smooth route running, strong hands and versatility will yield immediate returns. Having him alongside Moore and Cole Kmet will give the Bears a young contingent of reliable pass catchers.
The Chicago Bears will have their work cut out for them come April, but the one thing they cannot do is overthink it. If they go with their gut and follow the board, they will come out with good young pieces for their future.
