Mel Kiper Predicts Bears Target Offensive Firepower In NFL Draft

Mel Kiper Jr. has covered the NFL draft for ESPN dating back to 1984. It's been in his life and passion. Safe to say in that time he's come to understands what teams are likely to do based on that experience. With the 2020 draft approaching, he's putting the finishing touches on his own board and released another mock draft covering the first two rounds. In it, he shows what he believes GM Ryan Pace will do for the Chicago Bears.

Up to this point, experts have remained consistent in their belief that Pace will target at least one prospect on defense. Most likely a defensive back at cornerback or safety. Kiper does not prescribe to that belief. He thinks the Bears are going all-in on finding offensive firepower. Playmakers who can help either Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles have success this season.

His two choices certainly don't lack credibility.

"Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

I'm not sold on Jimmy Graham making an impact this season, and neither Trey Burton nor Adam Shaheen has worked out in Chicago. Kmet is the best tight end in an unspectacular class, but the talent is there for him to be a good blocker and receiver.

KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

Hamler, who is only 5-foot-9, 178 pounds, is explosive in space and can play in the slot or outside. Though he wasn't able to work out at the combine because of a hamstring injury, I feel comfortable saying he's one of the fastest players in the class. His problem last season was drops -- he had nine. If he can get that corrected, Chicago will have a really good player on its hands."

Mel Kiper has the right idea but is he correct?

The thing is Kiper isn't wrong in his assessment. Chicago has the 27th ranked offense in 2019. A big reason why was a lack of playmakers. Allen Robinson was their only reliable performer in that regard. Anthony Miller had some nice games but is coming off another shoulder surgery. David Montgomery remains a bit of an unknown. Jimmy Graham turns 34 this year. So yeah. Those quarterbacks need more weapons.

Are those two the likely choices? Maybe, but Kiper's history suggests probably not. Since Pace took over as GM in 2015, the ESPN analyst has failed to correctly predict which player or even position the Bears would target with their first pick in the draft. So the idea that he suddenly nails both of their 2nd rounders feels somewhat unlikely.