For weeks draft experts have though they have it all figured out. They know who the Chicago Bears will likely take at #3 overall. To this point the most popular name listed is Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. Others have pinpointed LSU safety Jamal Adams. Though both players are proven producers who are considered among the safest picks in this class, there is one inescapable reality about them.
They don't fit the Ryan Pace first round mold. One thing that has stood out above all else over his two previous drafts is that the Bears GM operates with a specific methodology. It starts with what he does in the first round. Put simply: he targets standout athletes. Players who have freaky physical ability that have a chance to become great at the pro level. It was true of Kevin White in 2015 and again with Leonard Floyd in 2016.

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Leonard-Floyd-Draft-Profile-NFLcom.mp4"][/video]
So in truth the scouting combine is probably the event to watch, at least when it comes to the potential top 10 prospects. One will want to pinpoint the names who excelled in the drills, showcasing not only their athletic skill but also long-term potential at the NFL level. That is what Pace seems to favor in a first round pick. A hard-working, physically gifted young man who may just need some coaching to take off.
Looking at how things shook out this year, guys like Allen and Adams don't fit that mix. Though their workouts weren't bad, they didn't exactly showcase elite potential. Keeping to those parameters, here are the top ranked prospects that Bears fans should really get to know over the next month.

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Leonard-Floyd-Draft-Profile-NFLcom.mp4"][/video]
So in truth the scouting combine is probably the event to watch, at least when it comes to the potential top 10 prospects. One will want to pinpoint the names who excelled in the drills, showcasing not only their athletic skill but also long-term potential at the NFL level. That is what Pace seems to favor in a first round pick. A hard-working, physically gifted young man who may just need some coaching to take off.
Looking at how things shook out this year, guys like Allen and Adams don't fit that mix. Though their workouts weren't bad, they didn't exactly showcase elite potential. Keeping to those parameters, here are the top ranked prospects that Bears fans should really get to know over the next month.
Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
- 40-yard dash: 3rd best
- Vertical jump: 5th best
- Broad jump: 4th best
- 3-cone drill: 5th best
Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
- 40-yard dash: 9th best
- Vertical jump: 5th best
- Broad jump: 3rd best
- 3-cone drill: 4th best
- Bench press: 3rd best
Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
- 40-yard dash: 3rd best
- Vertical jump: 3rd best
- Broad jump: 2nd best
O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
- 40-yard dash: 2nd best
- Vertical jump: 10th best
- Broad jump: 7th best
- 3-cone drill: The best
- Bench press: 2nd best
Obi Melifonwu (S, UConn)
- 40-yard dash: The best
- Vertical jump: The best
- Broad jump: The best
- Bench press: 4th best







