The Chicago Bears are down in Indianapolis for the scouting combine in full force. GM Ryan Pace revealed that his entire front office along with the entire coaching staff made the trip to evaluate the 300+ prospects who will be meeting with teams and participating in drills during the weekend to come. Next to the Senior Bowl, this might be the most important pre-draft event in the NFL. So they can't afford to waste any time.
Word has already begun to filter out from the early festivities that the Bears have met with a number of players. Keep in mind this didn't come from anybody within the organization but the players themselves. As usual, Pace runs a tight ship with no leaks. That said, they can't stop everything from getting out. So who are the players that have emerged as points of interest for the team?
Here are the names thus far.
Chicago Bears combine meetings have a common theme
Jake Fromm (QB, Georgia)
If there's a Georgia player involved, it's pretty much a given Pace will be interested. Jokes aside, Fromm is viewed by many as a lead on the second tier of quarterbacks in this class. He doesn't have the physical upside others do, being somewhat undersized at 6'1 with an average arm. However, he's lauded for his football intelligence, leadership, and competitive streak. All of that made him one of the most successful quarterbacks in SEC history.
Van Jefferson (WR, Florida)
He first really started to get noticed at the Senior Bowl where he routinely schooled opposing defensive backs in drills. Many view him as one of the best route runners in the entire 2020 draft, which is saying something. His father played in the NFL and coaches in the NFL. Jefferson feels like the ball is his when it's in the air. He's not the biggest or fastest but he gets open. That is a big requirement in this offense.
Gabriel Davis (WR, UCF)
Basically the opposite of Jefferson. Davis showcased lots of physical tools at Central Florida from his excellent body control to his speed and ability to accelerate down the field. He also doesn't mind getting dirty as a blocker. His issues stem from a lack of route running polish, which could limit his value for the first season or two. That said, his upside is considerable.
Dalton Keene (TE, Virginia Tech)
Basically look at him as a potential replacement for Trey Burton. Keene has the exact sort of skills that fit the "U" tight end position in Nagy's offense. He's versatile with an ability to line up in a variety of formations. He can catch the ball well and throws his weight around as a blocker. His production never stood out though so it's hard to know for sure if he can handle a bigger role in that department.
Logan Stenberg (OG, Kentucky)
One thing the Bears seemed to lack on their offensive line in 2019 was an "ass-kicker." Somebody who played with nastiness and an edge. Kyle Long filled that role for years but lost it due to injuries. Stenberg would be somebody who could bring it back. Everything about the guy is blue collar. He battles on every snap and doesn't back down from anybody. His pass protection is solid and is rarely caught off guard by anything the defense does.
Ben Bartch (OT, St. Johns)
An avid Michael Jordan fan, Bartch converted to offensive tackle from tight end and worked like mad to build his body up to a point where he looks like an NFL tackle. He's 6'6, 310 lbs but moves really well for that size. His showing at the Senior Bowl proved he could handle top competition despite coming from a Division III program. He still needs fundamental work and could stand to add more power but the building blocks are there for a starting left tackle.
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