Latest Meeting Signals Bears Might Be Thinking Big in This Draft

The Chicago Bears draft meeting list has been fairly predictable to this point. Every prospect they've met with not only fits with their current list of needs, but also have a degree of probability that they'll be available when they finally go on the clock in the 3rd round.

Then again, since when has GM Ryan Pace ever contented himself to hang back and let the board fall where it may? Of the four first picks he's made in his career to this point, he traded up for two of them in Leonard Floyd and Mitch Trubisky. The Bears only have five picks in this draft and don't go on the clock until selection #87.

So is it crazy to think he might try to score at least one player he covets by moving up the board? Don't forget the Bears are projected to have nine picks in 2020. He might be willing to surrender one of them if it offers a chance to go up and get a player he likes. It's just a question who that might be.

Their most recent meeting, which takes place today down at Alabama, will involve a private workout with edge rusher Christian Miller. Somebody with a growing buzz leading up to the draft. So much that expectations are he won't make it out of the 2nd round.

Chicago Bears Christian Miller interest offers plenty of intrigue

When the 2018 college season ended, many outlets had Miller as a likely late 3rd, early 4th round player. He missed most of his junior year with a torn biceps. Still, he returned this past year and on limited snaps managed to produce eight sacks and 11 tackles for a loss on that Crimson Tide defense.

He's known for being a good athlete who can play standing up, has violent and refined hands as a pass rusher, and displays ridiculously long arms that are over 35 inches. Reports are that he's been impressing during various stops in the pre-draft process from the scouting combine to the Alabama pro day.

It is starting to feel like Miller won't get anywhere close to that #87 slot when the Bears pick. This means either they're holding out hope he might slip down the board or they have plans to go up and get him if he falls within a range they feel they can reach.

Miller has a ton of upside as a pass rusher and the Bears have a need for more depth. Right now their only credible reserve behind Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd is Aaron Lynch. He is on a one-year deal and spent much of 2018 injured. Adding Miller not only would provide depth, but also long-term potential.