Chicago Bears: Who’s on Ryan Pace’s draft list at No. 8?

Tier 1: The big fish

Quenton Nelson

Now make no mistake about it: if Pace were to get an incredible trade offer from another team, especially if Josh Rosen or another quarterback managed to slip to No. 8, he might trade this pick for more draft capital regardless of who’s available. It all depends on the haul.

That said, if one of these two players are there at No. 8, the Chicago Bears will take one.

The obvious choice, if available, is Nelson.

Whether you try to project that he’ll end up as more of a TJ Lang than a Mike Iupati or just don’t think you should take guards in the top ten, Nelson is objectively the best player of all those about to be named.

Yes, you can want another player more if you want. Nothing wrong with that. And I can see why a lot of people would rather have a linebacker, given the Bears’ current needs.

But that doesn’t change the fact that Nelson’s the better player. Sorry.

He’s really good, fits a need, can pave the way for a stout running game and help reforge an aggressive offensive identity.

Plus, in all your calculations, don’t forget who the Bears’ most important player is, how much they have invested in him and how important it is to keep him upright. Hint: he doesn’t play defense.

This is Trubisky’s team. This is his offense. And the Chicago Bears have made it clear that the single most important task they have as a franchise is helping him become a star.

That’s part of why Harry Hiestand, Quenton Nelson’s old offensive line coach at Notre Dame, is even in Chicago.

So if they do take Nelson at No. 8, don’t just bellyache about how you wanted someone else. See it for how it fits as part of their plan to make this offense start humming this season.

Also, know that they got the best player available. And hopefully, when Trubisky becomes an elite quarterback in this league, he and Nelson will make a few Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams together.