Chicago Bears: Post-Combine/Pre-Free Agency Mock Draft
Pick Analysis. Ohio State University. Denzel Ward. 1. Scouting Report. Cornerback. player. 57
Pre-Combine pick: Tremaine Edmunds, LB
There is a mutual relationship between the Bears and Kyle Fuller; they want him and he wants to stay in Chicago. Ryan Pace scared everyone by not using the franchise tag to keep teams from poaching Fuller after his career year. However, using the transition tag gives the front office options.
This gives them time to work out a longer-term deal (something they have been working on for a while). If that fails, then they can let him test the market, let another team sign him to an offer sheet, and then decide if he’s worth that.
In 2016, Ryan Pace missed on Josh Norman. in 2017, he missed on Stephon Gilmore and A.J. Bouye. I doubt he lets lightning strike a third time.
With Fuller likely back in the saddle, he will need a running mate. Prince Amukamara wasn’t exactly flashy last season (zero turnovers) and he will be a free agent.
Taking Denzel Ward with the 8th pick seems reasonable.
The Ohio State secondary was gutted after last year’s draft. However, from Week 1 and on, Ward proved he was a worthy lockdown corner. I believed he solidified his status at the combine as CB1 with a predictably fast 40 time (4.32) and a 39-inch vertical.
When you face Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, and possibly Kirk Cousins twice a season, you need a loaded secondary. This makes Denzel Ward an easy choice.