Chicago Bears: Expect the unexpected in 2018 NFL Draft
By Ryan Heckman
If Ryan Pace’s track record proves anything, it is to expect the unexpected from the Chicago Bears in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears are not going to have a quiet weekend, I can guarantee you that. Ryan Pace has proven to the fans that he is not afraid of going out on a limb in any situation, and the 2018 NFL Draft will be no different.
Many believe they know who the Bears will take in the first round, and I am here to tell all of them one thing: They crack me up.
This year, out of any recent year, is as much of a mystery as ever when it comes to draft night for the Bears. It isn’t just the first round that has people wondering — it’s the entire weekend. Pace’s track record shows us that, not only in the draft, but at any point in the offseason, we should never expect anything in particular.
After all, this is the guy that gave Mike Glennon all that money during the same offseason he traded up to get Mitch Trubisky — he is one of a kind, that’s for certain.
I’m not knocking Pace, either — quite the contrary. He’s a risk-taker, and sometimes it had paid off. Other times, it’s done the opposite. But, I’d rather have a general manager who takes risks based on his convictions than one who sits back idly and never takes a chance.
I honestly have NO clue what Ryan Pace plans to do in the 1st round but I love that. Makes things a bit more exciting, even if I'm not over the moon with the projected available talent at 8. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) April 24, 2018
Thursday night, there are a lot of things that could happen. For instance, if Quenton Nelson is there at no. 8, Pace could shock us all and go with a guy like Marcus Davenport. Most people would question that move, since Nelson is one of the top three or four guys in the entire draft.
But, if Pace is absolutely convinced that Davenport is his guy, then so be it.
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Also, he could end up taking someone like Denzel Ward with other more attractive names available. Most agree that cornerback is not a huge need for the Bears, but if Pace has a plan for Ward, then he’ll take Ward.
What I am trying to say is this: We all have our predictions and opinions, which are calculated and well-thought out for the majority. However, we could all end up being dead wrong — or we could be right!
That’s the beauty of this draft in comparison to previous drafts. Last year, there were just a couple of players the Bears were going to take according to most experts. While Trubisky wasn’t one of them, my point is that this year there are several names fans and experts think could land in Chicago at no. 8 overall.
Must Read: Are these the 8 players on Ryan Pace's list?
This draft is going to be a lot of fun. It’s intriguing to try and research, predict and assume outcomes for any round, but 2018 is going to be an even crazier ride than the three previous Pace drafts. Buckle up, everyone.