2018 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears top positional needs on Day 3
Defensive back
The Chicago Bears obviously have a lot of cornerbacks and safeties on their roster right now. And thankfully, their starting spots at those positions are filled for 2018, for now.
However, if they grab a solid player in the middle-to-late rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft, they could make these positions stronger yet.
For one thing, Adrian Amos will hit free agency next year, so his future with the team is not guaranteed at the moment.
Maybe the Bears re-sign him, as I’m sure they’d like to. But if he asks for higher pay than his actual value — a hitter that needs protection from Eddie Jackson to play at his best — then the Bears might not bite on that.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
Furthermore, Prince Amukamara‘s contract is effectively up after 2019, after which the Bears could save $9 million by cutting him.
As such, planning for the future makes sense here.
A nice choice, as long as the Bears fill other needs, would be Stanford’s Quenton Meeks. Though he doesn’t have longest arms, he has great leaping ability and hands. Plus, he’s incredibly football-smart that comes prepared and displays great instincts.
I also like Dane Cruikshank, a versatile defensive back with excellent speed and athleticism who loves to come downhill and smack people.
He needs to build his frame up a little and improve his coverage ability (not unlike Amos), but he’s a much better athlete and has far better hands.
Dark horse position: Running back
Again, the Bears don’t need a running back, as they have Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen and Benny Cunningham.
However, if they really want to get Matt Nagy’s offense humming, they should look into grabbing another dynamic playmaker for their backfield.
Arizona State’s Kalen Ballage and Northwestern’s Justin Jackson absolutely fit those bills.
Ballage, in particular, has the size and frame to eventually turn into an every-down back if he hones his ability to run between the tackles. For now, though, his receiving and slippery run-after-catch abilities provide the intrigue with him.
Next: Grading the Bears' first three picks
The Chicago Bears still have some work to do on the Day 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft today. But by the time it’s over, the Bears should absolutely be a more complete team than they were coming into Thursday.