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

Tier 3: The wild cards

Tremaine Edmunds, Marcus Davenport

Calling these guys “backup plans” might not be quite accurate. Due to the upside these players have, they’ll probably be on the Bears’ radar at No. 8 no matter what.

Edmunds, in particular, might really be the guy to watch here.

For one thing, he allows the Bears to effectively kill two birds with one stone and get a linebacker who can play inside and hop outside as a pass-rusher in a pincher. And if he can play outside linebacker, his value will be off the charts.

And he has simply unbelievable potential due to his measurables and raw athletic ability. He can seemingly chase down anyone on any play if he reads it right.

That, of course, is the challenge with him, as his instincts are subpar. Then again, he’s 19 years old, and there’s still a ton to mold there.

Who knows? Maybe the Bears love his potential enough that I’m underselling him, and he should be higher on this list.

Knowing how much the Bears believe in their coaching staff, they could take a shot with Edmunds. And if it pays off, they could be getting one of the steals of this draft.

Davenport represents a similar type of prospect.

His athleticism at 6-foot-6 and over 270 pounds leaps off the page at people. And though he has a lot to learn as a pass rusher from a technique standpoint, his speed, quickness and ridiculous length can’t be taught.

If Vic Fangio could mold his raw materials into something even slightly more refined by the start of the season, he’ll be starting opposite Leonard Floyd, no question.