An Important Ryan Pace Draft Lesson That People Keep Ignoring

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.

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

[video flv="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/NFL-Events-Combine-Player-Profiles-Obi-Melifonwu.flv"][/video] Pace said earlier this year that when picking #3, a team has to get an "impact" guy. Somebody who will be able to dictate the outcome of football games based on their own individual presence on the field. There have been exceptions to the rule over the years, but by and large it's the best athletes who ended up being those types of players. Just look at Ezekiel Ansah, Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper, and Andrew Luck. All of them were top five picks and all were among the best athletes at their respective positions. It's not logical to expect Pace to suddenly deviate away from this method of thinking now. He clearly believes in it and there have been signs that it can work. Floyd was outstanding as a pass rusher during the second half of last season. White began to show signs of serious progress before his injury misfortune struck again. Pace isn't shy about swinging for the fences early, and with his highest pick yet that is not liable to change.