Bears GM Ryan Pace optimistic about receiver draft class

PHOENIX – Veteran receiver Eddie Royal helps make up for Brandon Marshall’s departure, but general manager Ryan Pace also has a loaded draft class to consider.

“I feel like last year was deep at receiver, and this year is too,” Pace said Tuesday during the NFL annual meetings at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. “If that’s an area we decide to address in the draft, it’s deep.

“So I feel optimistic that we could do that there. There are a lot of good receivers in this year’s draft.”

It all starts with Alabama’s Amari Cooper and West Virginia’s Kevin White. One could be available for the Bears’ seventh overall selection, but there are several receivers worth considering in the second round, too.

Pace also agrees with other general managers’ beliefs that receivers are transitioning faster in the NFL. He saw it firsthand with Brandin Cooks last year for the New Orleans Saints.

“When I first got into the league, it didn’t feel that way, and I remember us having discussions about it,” Pace said. “But recently it does feel that way, and I don’t know if that’s just because the talent’s better.

“I don’t think the offenses have changed that much. But it does feel like receivers have come in and made more of an immediate impact sooner.”

Picking it up

The Bears officially have the following selections in the 2015 draft: Round 1 – 7th overall; Round 2 – 39th, Round 3 – 71st; Round 4 – 106th; Round 5 (from New York Jets) – 142nd; Round 6 – 182nd .