With the 2018 NFL Draft just a day away there are few teams in as good as of a position as the Chicago Bears. The Bears, who own the eighth pick, should benefit from many of the teams ahead of them needing quarterbacks and be able to grab a top talent that otherwise would have come off the board.
The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are definitely taking quarterbacks. The Buffalo Bills want one but would have to trade ahead of the Bears if they want a realistic shot at getting one they really love. The Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos might just accommodate them. Then there are the wild cards like the Broncos and the Giants who may or may not take one.
This draft is looking better and better for the Bears. Even if the Giants don’t take a quarterback and instead take Saquon Barkley, the Bears still benefit. Their target is most likely on the defensive side of the ball and they should be able to pick from all but one or two of the best prospects in this draft on that side of the ball.
Bradley Chubb should be taken no later than fourth overall. It is possible Denzel Ward could go to the Colts at six. That might be it. That could leave the Bears with a linebacker like Tremaine Edmunds or Roquan Smith or a defensive back like Ward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or Derwin James. They could also add offensive line help in the form of Quenton Nelson and offer Mitch Trubisky a little protection.
The Bears could also find themselves in the position to trade down. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Bills are all looking to move up for QB help. If one of the so-called Big Four are still there then all bets are off. The Bears could be offered a ton in exchange for their spot and could fill several holes this season.
Few teams are in as sweet of a spot as the Bears. They have what they hope is their franchise QB in Trubisky. They have a good running back. They have an emerging defense. They are adding the finishing touches before really competing in the NFC North and challenging for the playoffs. Ryan Pace couldn’t have drawn it up much better for his team.