Chicago Bears: Top 10 draft picks under Ryan Pace

9. Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski

Speaking of opportunity, Nick Kwiatkoski might have an opportunity to start alongside Danny Trevathan in 2018. Whether or not the Bears address inside linebacker in this year’s draft, Kwiatkoski will be in the mix to start.

Since coming out of West Virginia in 2016, he has shown great improvement. 2017 was a much, much better year for him than his rookie campaign, especially because he continued to get more opportunities last season due to injuries at the position. Over his two years with the Bears, Kwiatkoski has appeared in 25 games, registering 93 total tackles, four passes defended, three sacks and three forced fumbles.

Kwiatkoski has been a regular special teams contributor since his rookie season, but this year he will be looking to do more than that. He was found in the fourth round two years ago, so as a mid-round pick, he’s found a home on the roster and, if anything, he knows his role is pretty safe whether or not he becomes a defensive starter.

Obviously, the Bears would love to see him take another leap this year and become that starting inside linebacker next to Trevathan, if all goes according to plan. Chicago could opt to take an inside linebacker in this draft as well, but whether that comes early is the bigger question.