The Chicago Sun-Times is running a 10-part series previewing the Bears and the NFL draft, which begins on April 27.
Quarterback, April 10: When is the right time for the Bears to draft a quarterback? Similar to the Bears, there are teams desperate to get the position right: the Browns, 49ers, Jets, Texans and Bills. Click here for the full story from Adam L. Jahns.
Inside linebacker, April 11: Northwestern’s “Franchise” gives the Bears an up-close look. Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker works out for Bears at their local pro day. Click here for the full story from Patrick Finley.
Tight end, April 12: “Polished” Ole Miss TE Evan Engram visits Bears on path to draft. The Bears, who draft third, have bigger needs than tight end. But it’s a good year for the position. Click here for the full story from Finley.
Outside linebacker, April 13: Versatile OLB Dylan Donahue is on draft radar for Bears, NFL teams. Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett is widely considered the draft’s top prospect. But overall, it’s a deep class for edge defenders. Click here for the full story from Jahns.
Offensive line, April 14: Bears visit, NFL attention is rewarding for emerging Illinois State OL Cameron Lee. Under general manager Pace, the Bears can never have enough depth on the offensive line. Click here for the full story from Jahns.
Safety, April 17: Is Obi the one? UConn safety Obi Melifonwu, whose NFL Scouting Combine workouts were the stuff of legend, could improve a Bears secondary that desperately needs help. Click here for the full story from Finley.
Running back, April 18: Ezekiel Elliott made it trendy to draft running backs high again. Luckily, with a Pro Bowl rookie of their own, the Bears don’t have to worry about it. If they add a rusher, it could be someone like I’Tavius Mathers, an accomplished pass-catcher at Middle Tennessee State. Click here for the full story from Finley.
Cornerback, April 19: When will the Bears take advantage of a deep cornerback class? The Bears signed Marcus Cooper to a three-year contract worth $8 million guaranteed, and Prince Amukamara to a one-year, $7 million deal in free agency despite a deep year for cornerbacks in the draft. Click here for the full story from Jahns.
Wide receiver, April 20: With the draft approaching, the Bears remain believers in receiver Kevin White. This year’s draft class is celebrated for its depth at cornerback, safety, tight end and running back. But there still is a decent group of receivers for the Bears and the rest of the NFL to mull over. Click here for the full story from Jahns.
Defensive line, April 21: Could Jonathan Allen shoulder load as Bears’ top draft pick? Allen likely is the safest pick the Bears could make when they select third overall in next week’s draft. At 6-3, 286 pounds, he could slide into a starting role on a line with Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks and make a promising front seven even better. Click here for the full story from Finley.
