With only five picks at their disposal and none in the first two rounds, the
Chicago Bears Senior Bowl meetings take on an even greater significance this year. Their room for error is far less than its been in years and they can't afford mistakes. So they've gotten off to a quick start this year, meeting with several prospects down in Mobile that they feel might have a reasonable chance of being available when they go on the board on Day 2.
So far five six names have emerged as having had some level of conversation with Bears representatives. It's fairly balanced between offense, defense, and even one special teamer. Here is a list covering each name and breaking down exactly who they are and what they might be able to bring to the franchise.
The first meeting that was reported was with perhaps the best kicker in the draft class. That shouldn't come as any surprise to Bears fans after the
Cody Parkey debacle. Tracy himself confirmed this to Pro Football Weekly, expressing his excitement at the possibility of being able to kick in Chicago. He feels his skill set fits what is needed for that team.
Tracy went 27-of-29 and 29-of-33 over his last two college seasons and developed a reputation for coming through in the clutch. He delivered a game-winner over Auburn early in the year and had three big kicks in overtime against Texas A&M including a 50-yarder.
It's well-known Bobby Massie will be a free agent this year. There's a chance that the Bears either don't want to or won't be able to keep him. That would open up a considerable void at right tackle. The free agent market this year isn't all that strong, so their best hope would be to grab somebody in the draft, likely in the 3rd round.
If that ends up being Andre Dillard, they'd be quite fortunate. He fits the type of tackle that Matt Nagy would like: big, mobile, and advanced in his pass protection ability. He knows the job when it comes to keeping his quarterback upright and he's shown no big issues with experimenting at right tackle at the Senior Bowl.
The Bears have some interesting decisions to make regarding their edge rusher position this offseason.
Khalil Mack is in place and that's great.
Leonard Floyd is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Expectations are the team will pick up his 5th-year option. Outside of them? Question marks.
Aaron Lynch is a free agent.
Sam Acho is a potential cap casualty.
Isaiah Irving and
Kylie Fitts haven't shown much.
So it wouldn't be a surprise if the team looks to add more depth to their pass rush. Especially after how it seemed to peter out too often against Philadelphia. Carl Granderson is a fascinating player. He's got that bigger body mixed with quickness a 3-4 linebacker needs but his game is still unrefined in a lot of areas. He'll flash one play and then disappear for the next four.
Another potential edge rush prospect. Jalen Jelks furthers a long line of intriguing physical specimens that Oregon has produced on the defensive line. They have a world of talent but the results to this point have been mixed.
Haloti Ngata and DeForest Buckner? Studs.
Arik Armstead and
Dion Jordan? Not so much. At 6'6, 250 lbs, Jalen Jelks is the latest in that line.
There have been flashes of brilliance. In 2017, he had seven sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss. This past season though he seemed to regress with 3.5 and 7.5 respectively. He has definite power in his frame to deliver a fierce bull rush and is more than a good enough athlete to beat blockers around the edge. It's about whether he can maintain balance and show discipline in his hand fighting.
One thing about the arrival of defensive coordinator
Chuck Pagano? Expect the defensive backs to be a bit more physical. That means more press coverage along the line of scrimmage. He wants to wreak havoc and that is one key step towards accomplishing such a goal. The problem is that style of defense places a heavy demand on the cornerbacks.
They have to be able to survive in those coverages. Not everybody can do it. Kris Boyd seems like one of those who could. He plays hard on every snap, unafraid to mix it up with wide receivers. There are times he gets beat but he comes right back on the next play as if nothing happened. He has good size and reasonable makeup speed too.
It's important to remember that two key Bears defensive backs will be free agents this offseason in
Adrian Amos and
Bryce Callahan. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the team is doing extra homework on possible defensive backs they could draft in the event they may lose one of them. Redwine was the latest among their meetings.
He's among the more intriguing players at the Senior Bowl in that he's got the body and skill set to play either safety or cornerback. His final year at Miami was an impressive mix with three interceptions and three sacks. That's something that could appeal to Pagano who loves to bring defensive backs as part of his blitz packages.
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