Chicago Bears: Who’s on Ryan Pace’s draft list at No. 8?
Who is on the shortlist for the Chicago Bears at the No. 8 overall spot in the 2018 NFL Draft? And who does Ryan Pace want most of all?
Yesterday, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace dropped some nuggets about what his approach in the 2018 NFL Draft would be. And truthfully, he didn’t really say much of any importance.
If you’re a smart GM, why would you?
However, Pace did mention that they have a very specific number of players that they have on their list when they approach the No. 8 pick in the draft.
Eight, as a matter of fact.
#Bears GM Ryan Pace: "We have eight players we have now we feel comfortable selecting at 8."
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) April 24, 2018
Aside from being poetic, that makes sense. You have to thoroughly evaluate your options in the NFL Draft, as you never quite know how it will shake out. I don’t know if Pace wants someone as badly as he wanted Mitch Trubisky last year, but this year, he probably isn’t trading up to get anyone.
If he does, he’ll have to essentially trade away all his remaining picks or at least two current players.
So whoever falls to No. 8 is probably what he’ll be working with. And maybe if enough of those players are left, he’ll consider trading back and grabbing one of them later in the first round.
Keep in mind, though: not all of these prospects are created equal. One of them, at least, is a good deal ahead of the others. And some of the backup plans are better than others as well.
Here are some likely candidates for Ryan Pace’s “impact player” list at No. 8, assuming the Bears stay there.
Not featured: Bradley Chubb
And it’s not because the Chicago Bears don’t want him. He’s just not going to be there at No. 8 unless something insane happens, most likely.
If he was, I honestly don’t know if I can picture the shock on Pace’s face. And while conventional wisdom would say it’s a no-brainer to take him, I’m not 100% sold on if he does. He’s not a perfect fit for this defense, though that might not stop them from taking him if he was available.
But again, he won’t be. And the Bears aren’t going to trade up for him. If they do, I’ll probably die immediately.