The Chicago Bears aren't about to tell anybody how their NFL draft board is structured. Yet it's not hard to believe GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy have certain players they covet. Who they are is likely a closely guarded secret. That hasn't stopped some people from taking calculated stabs at who those players could be. The latest to do so is Louis Riddick.
Currently an analyst for ESPN, he was the director of pro personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles during the tail end of Andy Reid's run as head coach in the late 2000s through 2012. During that time he got to know Juan Castillo quite well. Castillo was the Eagles offensive line coach for over a decade and served under Reid. Castillo now holds that same position with the Bears.
Riddick believes he found a player in this upcoming draft that fits the veteran coach extremely well based on his several years of experience working with him.
Chicago Bears would get quite a story in Jackson
A few things about the Bears during Pace's tenure is they like players who are athletes and players who are unselfish. Jackson checks both of those boxes in a big way. He moves quite well for a guy who is 6'5, 322 lbs with 34-inch arms. On top of that, he selflessly donated bone marrow to save his sisters' life last year. He is not a finished product yet, but his dedication can't be questioned.
"Early-entry tackle prospect who is raw but gifted and is likely to be coveted by a variety of teams, thanks to his true left tackle traits. Jackson has loads of athletic ability and play talent that is waiting to be developed and harvested. Inconsistent hand placement and footwork could be exploited early on if teams try and rush him into the starting lineup, but issues are correctable. He's scheme-diverse with potential guard flexibility if he improves his strength."
This is where Castillo comes in. He has a reputation going back many years for almost maniacal attention to detail. His goal is to make sure his linemen understand the intricacies of blocking better than anybody. Those who have listened to him went on to have a ton of success in the NFL. This could be why Riddick believes he'd be perfect for Jackson.
