Chicago Bears: 2019 NFL Draft prospects to replace Cody Parkey
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears are going to make the necessary decision to part ways with Cody Parkey.
The 2018 season ended in horrific, gut-wrenching fashion for the Chicago Bears. Hosting a playoff game at Soldier Field following an NFC North title and record of 12-4, the Bears fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Just when it looked as though Mitchell Trubisky had orchestrated a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, the game was lost due to something completely out of his control — a kick.
The leg behind that kick, now dubbed the “double-doink,” was the infamous Cody Parkey. Following the game, most fans wanted Parkey gone — and when I say most, I mean I didn’t see or hear a single opinion otherwise, from any Bears fan, anywhere.
That was Parkey’s 11th missed kick of the season, counting extra points and the playoffs. While video footage showed the kick was touched by the slightest stretch of a finger from defensive lineman Treyvon Hester, the damage was already done. Parkey had to go, period.
Good things come to those who wait six weeks.
March 13th will be the very last day in Chicago for Parkey, who will officially be released. It was a move everyone saw coming, even though the Bears eat a chunk of change in doing so. General manager Ryan Pace knows this team’s window to win is now, and letting it all slip away due to the kicking game would be foolish.
Pace isn’t taking any chances.
With Parkey set to leave town, now, who could come in and replace him? Lots of fans would love to see Robbie Gould back in the navy and orange — me included. But, the Bears will have options in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft as well. Let’s take a look at just a few of the notable names in this year’s class.