2017 NFL Draft: Why the Chicago Bears will opt for defense in Round 1
Here’s why the Chicago Bears will go with defense over a quarterback in Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The last time the Chicago Bears had a top-five pick in the NFL Draft (fourth overall), they took running back Cedric Benson all the way back in 2005. Tonight, in the 2017 NFL Draft, they’ll pick in the top-five again (third overall), hopefully for the last time in a long while. And with this rare shot at a high draft pick comes monster levels of intrigue.
Specifically, will Ryan Pace target one of the many highly-touted defensive prospects? Or will he take a chance and select his hand-picked, face-of-the-franchise quarterback (likely Deshaun Watson) with an eye toward the future?
The Best Players in this Draft are on Defense
Pace reaffirmed in yesterday’s pre-draft presser that he is committed to drafting the “best player available” at each draft spot. In fact, he hinted that it would be risky to deviate from this formula by reaching for players. Here is an excerpt of his comments, via Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune:
"I think you get yourself into trouble if you’re not sticking with our philosophy of best player available. When you start trying to manufacture things or create things, that’s when teams get into dangerous water. I think if we just stay with guys we have a consensus on and best player available we’ll be in good shape."
Here’s where I must note that Pace’s grades and idea of “best player available” may not align with yours or mine. That said, if he believes in that philosophy, it’s hard to think he won’t be drafting a defensive player with the third pick. Aside from someone like O.J. Howard, what other offensive player is as good right now as the likes of Myles Garrett, Solomon Thomas, and Jamal Adams? I’d say none, even with the talent drop-off after Garrett, who’s going first overall to Cleveland (sorry, Bears fans).
Whether Thomas plays inside or on the edge, he would be hunting people from Day 1. I promise you that much. Adams would be good enough to start for the Bears if he did nothing but show up at training camp. That doesn’t even delve into how impactful he could become, especially if he develops into as good a centerfielder as he is an enforcer. And if the hamstring injuries
That doesn’t even delve into how impactful he could become, especially if he develops into as good a centerfielder as he is an enforcer. And if the hamstring injuries haven’t scared Pace off yet, Marshon Lattimore’s top-flight athleticism gives him legitimate shutdown corner potential. No corner currently on the Bears roster fits that bill.
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Also, if the Chicago Bears trade down from the third overall pick, don’t assume that they’re definitely taking an offensive player. If they land in the lower end of the top ten, guys like Malik Hooker, Jonathan Allen and Reuben Foster may come into play, if their medicals allow them to slide. In fact, I won’t yet rule out Allen at #3, assuming that team doctors feel confident about his health. And if they swapped with Cleveland and landed at #12? Fast-rising talents like Haason Reddick and Takkarist McKinley may be too tantalizing to pass up.
This draft is simply loaded with defensive talent, especially at safety and corner. You’d better believe that some Week 1 defensive starters will be waiting until Days 2-3 to come off the board. As such, one could argue that the Bears can go quarterback at number three and take advantage of defensive depth later. That’s certainly not wrong. But top talent is top talent, and a whole lot of it resides on the defensive side of the ball. While the offense definitely needs some help, passing on almost surefire impact players on defense might be overthinking it.
There are No Immediate Stars at Quarterback
Back in 2008, the Atlanta Falcons rejuvenated their franchise by taking Matt Ryan with the third overall pick. In recent days, many Bears fans have taken hope in this example, wondering if selecting Watson at three can similarly uplift their once-proud franchise.
While this isn’t impossible, a word of caution: Watson isn’t Ryan from an NFL-readiness perspective coming out of college. Ryan’s college tape screams “plug-and-play starter”, even despite some concerns about his arm strength. Watson’s does not, though his resume is absolutely deserving of being picked that high.
Mitch Trubisky is talented but lacks experience (13 college starts) and must get familiar with NFL-type reads and play calls. Patrick Mahomes can and will make any throw in the book, just not with his feet set in the pocket. And though 2015-2016 DeShone Kizer was probably the best quarterback in this class, the 2016-2017 version is scaring everyone away.
Bottom line: no quarterback is going to come in Week 1 and be ready to thrive in an NFL offense. They’re all first-round talents, but all must hone their skills as pocket passers and decision-makers before they can start. And those that are considered more “pro-ready” (i.e., Nathan Peterman) aren’t first-round talents.
On the other hand, the Bears could probably count on any defensive player they drafted third overall contributing right away. Also, Chicago does have Mike Glennon (even if it’s only essentially for a year). Though I’ve expressed my own opinions against “waiting until later”, they certainly should not feel that they have to take a quarterback with the third overall pick. At least for this year, Glennon affords them that breathing room.
Next: Why the Chicago Bears should use a top pick on a quarterback
Right now, with conflicting reports buzzing about, nothing can truly be ruled out. Truthfully, despite how many fans feel, it’s really not unreasonable to take a quarterback third overall, even in this draft. In fact, if they took Watson at #3, I personally wouldn’t be that disappointed or upset. But if I had the third-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, I’d add a defensive star to my lineup. It improves the team more immediately, and it’s less of a reach with the third pick.
And it wouldn’t necessarily rule out my quarterback of choice, either…that would be the other “De-shawn”. Yeah, I’m a little biased.