The Bears would have a top-10 draft pick if the season ended today

Prior to Sunday’s game against Washington, Sun-Times columnists Rick Telander and Rick Morrissey debated whether the Bears would be better off pushing for the playoffs or improving their draft pick.

A 24-21 loss to the Redskins all-but eliminated Chicago from postseason contention, but on the bright side, it propelled the Bears into the top 10 of the draft order.

If the season ended today, the Bears (5-8) would have the No. 9 pick in the draft, which for the second consecutive year, will be held in Chicago.

Last year’s first-round pick, receiver Kevin White, has yet to play his first NFL snap, so the Bears could potentially add two top-10 picks next season.

Chicago is in obvious need of a pass rusher, and could use help at tackle and cornerback as well.

Looking at who might be available, Oregon’s DeForest Buckner (6-foot-7, 290-pounds) and Clemson’s Shaq Lawson are potential fits. Both players have 9.5 sacks this season.

At defensive back, Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey and Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves are the top draft-eligible players, according to Mel Kiper’s big board.

Chicago hasn’t picked in the top 10 in back-to-back seasons since 2000 and 2001, when the Bears selected Brian Urlacher and David Terrell.

Bears quarterbacks to start at least three games since 1992