Chicago Bears draft profile: Cornerback Denzel Ward

Could the Chicago Bears go with speedy cornerback Denzel Ward with the No. 8 overall pick?

With less than two weeks left until the 2018 NFL Draft kicks off, people have been paying a lot of attention to the position groups the Chicago Bears have spent a lot of time looking at and bringing in workout invitees from.

Of course, everyone figured they’d look at edge rushers, which remains their greatest overall need.

And after the Bears let Cameron Meredith depart to the New Orleans Saints, receiver prospects like Courtland Sutton have caused a few whispers outside of Halas Hall.

But that’s not all: the Chicago Bears have also done their due diligence on this year’s crop of cornerbacks.

Guys like Josh Jackson and Isaac Yiadom have already been in contact with the Bears during the draft process. And players like that—long, tall guys who may excel in man-coverage—should certainly catch Vic Fangio’s eye.

And the Bears may also be watching hybrid defensive backs like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James that could help them all over their defense.

That said, don’t sleep on the consensus top cornerback in this draft, Ohio State’s Denzel Ward, at No. 8 overall.

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In some cases, taking Ward might represent a departure from typical Ryan Pace/Fangio defensive picks as he’s not a height/weight/length monster.

But if you love athletic ability — and you know Pace does — boy, will you like this young man.

So, how do you read the riddle? Should the Chicago Bears set aside some of their concerns about his size and gamble on his physical gifts?

Let’s take a closer look at the No. 1 corner in this year’s draft.