If there is one thing Chicago Bears fans should take careful note of when it comes to GM Ryan Pace? It's to always remember the games he attends during the scouting process before a draft. History shows that he has a tendency to favor college prospects he gets a chance to see in person. That was the case with Mitch Trubisky in 2016 at the Sun Bowl against Stanford. Then it was true again in 2018 as he watched David Montgomery in the Alamo Bowl against Washington State.
Why bring this up now? Largely because the GM was spotted today in attendance at the Ohio State showdown with local Illinois team Northwestern. This shouldn't be a surprise. The Buckeyes have one of the most fruitful programs when it comes to NFL prospects in the country and it appears this coming year will be no exception. The Wildcats too have improved their overall talent level over the years thanks to the efforts of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
So this begs the obvious question. If Pace is there, who might he have plans to watch up close? Here is a shortlist of the top prospects from both teams that might have the Bears' attention.
Ryan Pace could be eyeing defense and offensive linemen
One thing that has become routine with Ohio State is they typically produce athletic and talented defenders along with big, strong offensive linemen. The Bears have every reason to be interested in both of those things. Most eyes will likely be on star pass rusher Chase Young and cornerback Jeffery Okudah. Both are expected to become 1st round picks in 2020. Chicago won't be able to think about them. They'll likely have eyes elsewhere.
Jordan Fuller (S, Ohio State)
NFL evaluators always loved defensive backs who are big, physical, and athletic. Fuller checks all of those boxes. He's played a variety of different roles for the Buckeyes and has shown capability in the box and in deep coverage. With Ha Ha Clinton-Dix likely gone next March as a free agent, the Bears might have to move fast to find a replacement.
Malik Harrison (LB, Ohio State)
Clinton-Dix isn't the only notable defender who will have an expiring contract. Danny Trevathan, their longtime stud inside linebacker could be gone as well. That puts the position high up on the list of needs especially since Nick Kwiatkoski will also be hitting the market too. Harrison is big and agile, capable of playing coverage but absolutely at his best attacking the line of scrimmage.
Thayer Munford (OT, Ohio State)
Kyle Long appears to be on his way out. Charles Leno is struggling. It feels like more additions to the offensive line are coming for the Bears. If so, Munford is a name they must watch carefully. He's coming off a back injury from last year but when he's healthy, he has shown he can block anybody on the field. Big, long, and quick for his size, he was only 19-years old when this season began.
Paddy Fisher (LB, Northwestern)
OSU won't be the only team with a standout linebacker on the field. Paddy Fisher is the leader of the Northwestern defense. The guy has size, range, and instincts. He delivered 63 tackles, five tackles for a loss, a sack, an interception, and four forced fumbles in 2018. This shows his versatility on the field and there's no reason to think he can't be a strong fit next to Roquan Smith.
Joe Gaziano (DE, Northwestern)
Edge rusher will certainly be a focus for the Bears in the draft. Aaron Lynch will again be a free agent and Leonard Floyd (who has two sacks in five games) will enter the final year of his deal. Gaziano has consistently performed well rushing the quarterback for that defense, posting 20 sacks in his past 29 games. Not to mention seven forced fumbles.
