Ryan Pace Tends to Target Combine Studs Early in the Draft

A lot of Chicago Bears fans might not view the scouting combine as something worth watching. It's just another part of the evaluation process. The event doesn't hold that much more value than anything else. Except history suggests this isn't quite true. Based on the track record of GM Ryan Pace since he took over five years, the reality is far different.

When one looks at his higher draft choices, it would be so easy to find a number of players who were major standouts at their respective combines. Don't believe it? Here's a quick recap of just the 1st round picks:

• 2015 - Kevin White runs 4.35 in 40-yard dash (3rd best among WRs)
• 2016 - Leonard Floyd delivers 39.5-inch vertical jump (2nd best among LBs)
• 2017 - Mitch Trubisky runs a 4.67 in 40-yard dash (4th best among QBs)
• 2018 - Roquan Smith runs a 4.51 in 40-yard dash (2nd best among LBs)

This doesn't even count his 2nd round picks. Cody Whitehair had the second-best three-cone time among offensive linemen in 2016. Adam Shaheen tied for a combine-best 31 reps on the bench press among tight ends in 2017. James Daniels had the second-best three-come time among his offensive line group in 2018. The trend holds up consistently.

Combine will show likely Ryan Pace targets for 2020

This should make the event must-see viewing for Bears fans. The team needs are fairly straightforward at this point. Tight end, offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive back top the list. Of course quarterback is involved but most agree the draft isn't where they'll find an answer. So the best way to get an idea for who Pace might go after could very well lay with how these players perform in their respective drills starting Thursday.

If a wide receiver or defensive back runs a 4.4 in the 40, or an offensive lineman shows out in the three-cone or an edge rusher delivers a strong vertical jump? One can surmise that the Bears probably have their eyes on them. Pace has always prioritized athleticism in his higher draft choices. He believes this is a major key to establishing team success for the long-term.

That said, given the track record of some of those choices? One might want to warn him about reevaluating that style of thinking. Athleticism is important, but so is instinct and on-the-field performance. If a player has the former and yet is limited in the latter? That is a concern.