Chicago Bears draft comparison: Minkah Fitzpatrick or Derwin James?

If the Chicago Bears threw us a curveball and targeted a defensive back instead of a pass-rusher at No. 8, which player would it be: Minkah Fitzpatrick or Derwin James?

As the 2018 NFL Draft inches closer, Chicago Bears fans still have no clear idea how this first round will play out for their team.

Naturally, we assume that the Bears will stay at No. 8 overall and hope that a run on quarterbacks will cause a player like Bradley Chubb or Quenton Nelson to slide into their arms. While that does remain a possibility, the likelihood that either makes it to the Bears still isn’t great. And though general manager Ryan Pace isn’t shy about trading up, one wonders if he’d do it three years in a row.

As such, the Bears may have to focus on Plan B, which generally has centered around the outside linebacker position to most observers. With Pernell McPhee and Willie Young now gone, someone has to fill the void across from Leonard Floyd.

But let’s not forget that a few defensive backs could very well force their way into the back end of the top 10. And despite the fact that the cornerback and safety positions are ostensibly locked in for the Bears, they could always use more talent there.

In particular, jack-of-all-trades Minkah Fitzpatrick could fall farther than any projected top non-quarterback in this draft. And if the Chicago Bears were interested, he’s very likely to be there at No. 8.

That said, if they wanted a more athletic defensive back that could perform many of the same functions, Derwin James might be more their speed. And with his physical tools and All-Pro potential, he could be hard to pass up.

While Denzel Ward leads the cornerback rankings, these two talented, do-it-all defensive backs may come off the board first.

If it came down to the two of them, which one should the Chicago Bears take: Fitzpatrick or James?