Since Ryan Pace took over the Chicago Bears, one thing has proven consistent. The GM has exactly zero fear when it comes to moving up in the NFL draft. Three times in five previous draft, he traded up from his first pick to a higher spot. He went up to get Leonard Floyd in 2016, Mitch Trubisky in 2017, and David Montgomery in 2019. One could argue those decisions don't exactly merit him continuing this sort of strategy.
Still, Pace is an aggressive thinker. He believes the draft is about finding the star power for his franchise. GMs who play it safe rarely end up moving the needle for their team. At least in his mind. He's always believed in doing what is necessary to get the best players. So don't think for a second that despite having no 3rd or 4th round picks that this will stop him from thinking big for this 2020 draft.
That includes moving up into the 1st round. Something Bill Barnwell of ESPN can see happening. So much so he even provided a potential scenario.
"Ravens get: 2-50, 2021 first-round pick
Bears get: 1-28...General manager Ryan Pace & Co. would be moving up for a cornerback, given that they cut starter Prince Amukamara and have added only former Steelers first-rounder Artie Burns to replace him. Chicago could be looking for someone like A.J. Terrell or Kristian Fulton in this range; if Antoine Winfield Jr. were to fall here, the Bears could also slot Winfield in as a starting safety alongside Eddie Jackson."
Chicago Bears almost certainly would target offense
Barnwell always has a bit of a tendency to overlook what the Bears have done. While cornerback and safety are question marks, the positions aren't entirely weak. Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson remain in place. Buster Skrine was solid in the slot. The Bears did add CFL standout Tre Roberson which should add to the competition along with Kevin Toliver who they've been grooming for two years. Obviously none of those guys are sure things, but it doesn't justify a reality Barnwell ignored.
If Pace were to move up, it would be for an offensive player.
The Bears had the #27 offense in the NFL last year. Since the end of 2019, the most significant moves they've made on offense were signing Jimmy Graham, trading for Nick Foles, and signing Germain Ifedi. While that does improve things a bit on paper, it's hard to think those three can possibly move the needle enough to make a significant difference. They need more, whether it's another weapon at wide receiver or a big, mauling offensive lineman.
That makes more sense. Sacrificing another future 1st round pick for a cornerback does not.
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