The two people who have the greatest influence on who the Chicago Bears draft from year to year after the general manager and head coach. That isn't expected to change with the new partnership of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson. However, make no mistake. Scouts and assistant coaches also have strong voices in the process. After all, they're supposed to be the experts from position to position. It only makes sense they would have certain priorities for what they want.
So far, the Bears have hired five new assistants to their staff. After looking into their backgrounds, here is how each of them could influence the draft process over the next three months.
These new Chicago Bears assistants could alter the draft strategies
Declan Doyle (Offensive coordinator)
Keep an eye on: Athleticism
This one is the most difficult because the Broncos didn't draft a single tight end during Doyle's two years with the team as tight ends coach. The only thing to go on is who they saddled him with: Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull. One thing the two have in common is they are two plus-athletes. This falls in line with Sean Payton's typical preferences from New Orleans. Jimmy Graham was another example. They don't just like big guys but big guys who can move.
Dennis Allen (Defensive coordinator)
Keep an eye on: Sacks
Allen has crafted a reputation for pinpointing some outstanding defensive linemen during his years as a defensive coordinator and head coach. Von Miller, Khalil Mack, and Trey Hendrickson are three prime examples. The way he did this was pretty straightforward. How high was their college production? Miller had 33 sacks in college. Mack had 28.5, and Hendrickson had 29.5. If you want an idea of which defensive linemen the Chicago Bears could target with him on the staff, just look at the stat sheets.
J.T. Barrett (QBs coach)
Keep an eye on: Rhythm passers
Detroit drafted only one quarterback in the entire time Barrett was there as an assistant coach. That was Hendon Hooker. Based on his makeup and that of Jared Goff, it is apparent the quarterback needed to operate well with timing and rhythm from the pocket. Hooker did that well at Tennessee. Goff has, of course, done the same for years between L.A. and Detroit. Chicago won't draft a QB high, but look for accomplished rhythm passers if they opt for one later.
Antwaan Randle El (Wide receivers)
Keep an eye on: YAC
On the surface, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are two completely different players. One is a savvy, tough slot tactician. The other is an explosive field stretcher. However, they did have one thing in common when the Lions drafted them. Both had a knack for making plays after the catch. YAC is not a category the Bears have excelled in over the past few years. Expect that to change with Randle El in town. After all, that was one of his strengths as a player in the 2000s.
Al Harris (Defensive backs)
Keep an eye on: Ball skills
After researching his background with Kansas City and Dallas, one thing became obvious about defensive backs drafted under Harris' watch: They could take the ball away. Marcus Peters, Trevon Diggs, and DaRon Bland all had established reputations for numerous interceptions coming into the NFL. They quickly lived up to those reputations. While drafting defensive backs isn't high on the agenda this year for Chicago, expect them to shift towards legitimate ballhawks moving forward.
