Chicago Bears Draft: Ryan Pace sending smokescreen regarding no. 8 pick?

It’s NFL Draft time. Is Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace sending somewhat of a smokescreen regarding their no. 8 overall pick?

Tuesday, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace spoke to the media about the exciting weekend ahead. With the 2018 NFL Draft beginning Thursday night, all eyes are on Pace to see just what the Bears will do with their no. 8 selection.

Pace acknowledged that he is not going to divulge any secrets at this time — obviously. Of course, the media tried their best to get anything out of him that they could.

Many people think the Bears will wind up acquiring more picks this weekend because they do not have a third round selection. That pick was sent away in the trade up for Mitch Trubisky last year. With Pace known to be a risk-taker come draft day, anything is on the table — except a quarterback in the first round.

Pace made sure to let everybody know that they will not be drafting a quarterback at no. 8, but that any other position is seemingly a possibility.

According to Pace himself, the Bears have eight players they are eyeing in the first round.

"“We have eight names right now of players that we like. There are a lot of variables that are going to take place in front of us that are going to dictate who’s going to be there, and we’re excited if any one of those eight names are there.”"

Pace also acknowledged what most people are thinking: The likelihood of a top-5 player falling to Chicago in their spot is high.

"“I think the fact it’s a talented quarterback class is going to help us this year with where we’re picking.”"

The one part of his time with the media that stood out is when he talked about the possibility of trading back. Here’s what he had to say:

"“Is there any scenario where we’d want to go back, and if we do how far would we go back, because we better be sure it’s an impact player … because we know we’re going to get one if we stay at eight.'”"

So, here’s what we know for sure:

Nothing.

Well, kind of.

Pace has a list of guys he likes — eight, to be exact. So, who are those guys? That’s the real question. How far will any of those eight fall? Yet another good question.

My thought is this: Pace is sending a smokescreen to potential trade partners — like the Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals or Miami Dolphins — so that any team wanting to move up to no. 8 will have to sweeten the deal.

Pace is doing his best at playing hard to get, and for Bears fans, it couldn’t be a better move in our eyes.

Must Read: Are these the 8 on Ryan Pace's list?

Pace has experience trading on draft day, obviously, and he knows just how much teams are willing to give up in order to get their guy. He’s playing the game and playing it well. If a team wants to move up to the Bears’ no. 8 slot, they are going to have to give Pace one heck of a haul in return.