BearsFansOnline.com

With the combine coming up, I thought I'd throw together a top 10 by position for each side of the ball with some high level commentary for each position group.

What I've noticed with the offensive prospects, is that while it's not an overly talented draft, it's really really deep.

OFFENSE

QB
Joe Burrow - LSU 6'4" 216 lbs
Tua Tagovailoa - Alabama 6'1" 219 lbs
Justin Herbert - Oregon 6'6" 227 lbs
Jordan Love - Utah State 6'4" 223 lbs
Jacob Eason - Washington 6'6" 227 lbs
Jake Fromm - Georgia 6'2" 220 lbs
James Morgan - Florida International 6'4" 213 lbs
Jalen Hurts - Oklahoma 6'1" 218 lbs
Bryce Perkins - Virginia 6'3" 215 lbs
Anthony Gordon - Washington State 6'2" 199 lbs

One of the weaker classes in a while. I think 7 players go in the first two rounds, but half those guys will be over drafted by at least a round or two.

RB
D'Andre Swift - Georgia 5'9" 215 lbs
Jonathan Taylor - Wisconsin 5'11" 219 lbs
J.K. Dobbins - Ohio State 5'10" 217 lbs
Zack Moss - Utah 5'10" 222 lbs
Cam Akers - Florida State 5'11" 212 lbs
Ke'Shawn Vaughn - Vanderbilt 5'10" 205 lbs
Lamical Perine - Florida 5'11" 211 lbs
Reggie Corbin - Illinois 5'10" 200 lbs
Eno Benjamin - Arizona State 5'9" 195 lbs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire - LSU 5'8" 209 lbs

Like QB, it's slim pickings here. If you need one, you better grab one of the Big 3 in the top 35 picks, because it's mostly part time backs after that.

WR
Jerry Jeudy - Alabama 6'1" 192 lbs
CeeDee Lamb - Oklahoma 6'2" 189 lbs
Jalen Reagor - TCU 5'11" 195 lbs
Henry Ruggs III - Alabama 6'0" 190 lbs
Laviska Shenault Jr. - Colorado 6'2" 220 lbs
Tee Higgins - Clemson 6'4" 215 lbs
Justin Jefferson - LSU 6'3" 192 lbs
Gabriel Davis - UCF 6'3" 212 lbs
Donovan Peoples-Jones - Michigan 6'2" 208 lbs
Denzel Mims - Baylor 6'3" 206 lbs

Here's where the offensive side of the draft starts to take shape. This draft is so deep at WR. All 10 of these guys could be go in the first 2 rounds.

TE
Brycen Hopkins - Purdue 6'4" 241 lbs
Adam Trautman - Dayton 6'5" 251 lbs
Cole Kmet - Notre Dame 6'4" 235 lbs
Hunter Bryant - Washington 6'2" 239 lbs
Albert Okwuegbunam - Missouri 6'5" 255 lbs
Harrison Bryant - Florida Atlantic 6'5" 242 lbs
Mitchell Wilcox - South Florida 6'5" 245 lbs
Jared Pinkney - Vanderbilt 6'4" 254 lbs
Colby Parkinson - Stanford 6'7" 251 lbs
Jacob Breeland - Oregon 6'5" 250 lbs

While not loaded, there's some nice talent here. The only thing is that these dudes are basically big WR's There's no complete TE in the group outside of maybe Trautman and Breeland. But if you need a guy who can split the seam and make plays in the passing game, this is a good class for you.

OT
Andrew Thomas - Georgia 6'5" 320 lbs
Jedrick Wills - Alabama 6'5" 320 lbs
Tristan Wirfs - Iowa 6'5" 322 lbs
Mekhi Becton - Louisville 6'7" 369 lbs
Austin Jackson - USC 6'6" 310 lbs
Robert Hunt - Louisiana 6'5" 336 lbs
Isaiah Wilson - Georgia 6'7" 340 lbs
Josh Jones - Houston 6'5" 311 lbs
Prince Tega Wanogho - Auburn 6'5" 307 lbs
Lucas Niang - TCU 6'7" 328 lbs

Another deep position group, but not overly exciting. I'd bet 5 go in the top 20 picks, but Thomas is really the only pure day one starter on the left side. There are some really interesting developmental pass blockers though. Lots of powerful right tackles that can step in right away who also might be able to transition to the left with time.

OG/C
Lloyd Cushenberry III - LSU 6'3" 312 lbs
Tyler Biadasz - Wisconsin 6'3" 321 lbs
Cesar Ruiz - Michigan 6'4" 319 lbs
Shane Lemieux - Oregon 6'4" 316 lbs
Nick Harris - Washington 6'1" 293 lbs
Solomon Kindley - Georgia 6'4" 336 lbs
Matt Hennessy - Temple 6'4" 302 lbs
Netane Muti - Fresno State 6'3" 307 lbs
Ben Bredeson - Michigan 6'5" 316 lbs
Damien Lewis - LSU 6'2" 329 lbs

Good group of hybrid folks who have experience at both center and guard. At least 4-5 immediate starters at either position.

Good stuff! It's pretty deep at WR from what I've been gathering... we could really use a legit speed threat at the position but I just don't know if I see Pace drafting another WR, especially high.

Good work. I could see Nate Stanley moving up maybe not top 10 but he's going to be on that cusp and he will get taken before people think.

RB I like michael Warren. He's a under radar guy I think will move up.

mmmc_35 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:53 pm Good work. I could see Nate Stanley moving up maybe not top 10 but he's going to be on that cusp and he will get taken before people think.

RB I like michael Warren. He's a under radar guy I think will move up.

I mean who was calling CJ Beathard being drafted in the third... all any player needs is for one team to like him enough to take him...

I watched nearly every Nate Stanley game as an Iowa fan. He's infuriatingly inconsistent with his accuracy. I think he's a big time project.

BR0D1E86 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 08, 2020 11:34 am I watched nearly every Nate Stanley game as an Iowa fan. He's infuriatingly inconsistent with his accuracy. I think he's a big time project.

I agree, but he does some really good things and checks boxes to get him picked.

BamaBear09 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 08, 2020 11:07 am

mmmc_35 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:53 pm Good work. I could see Nate Stanley moving up maybe not top 10 but he's going to be on that cusp and he will get taken before people think.

RB I like michael Warren. He's a under radar guy I think will move up.

I mean who was calling CJ Beathard being drafted in the third... all any player needs is for one team to like him enough to take him...

Funny you should ask! I bet a buddy CJ Beathard would get drafted before round 4 and won 50 bucks

I really like the Washington St rb that declared early; Salvon Ahmed

Unless he really climbs after his 40, most have him a 3rd day guy. he's not an every down guy, think he proved that last year, but before that he was a really good explosive change of pace guy, and he run a 4.2-4.3 forty. Good hands and decent size.

Not really sure they are in the market but he's got explosion and all i ever hear is about how this offense is predicated on explosive plays.

Bad Flanders wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2020 6:13 pm I really like the Washington St rb that declared early; Salvon Ahmed

Unless he really climbs after his 40, most have him a 3rd day guy. he's not an every down guy, think he proved that last year, but before that he was a really good explosive change of pace guy, and he run a 4.2-4.3 forty. Good hands and decent size.

Not really sure they are in the market but he's got explosion and all i ever hear is about how this offense is predicated on explosive plays.

Pace does like to select a RB in every draft. The Bears do have a number of lower round picks, Ahmed would fit in with Nagy's offense. I saw him in a few games on TV, an intriguing thought.

I would stay away from Shenault... unless you can grab him in the 4th or beyond... he struggles with releasing depending on his speed to get off press which will cause him issues in the NFL with faster CBs... he looks like a guy you will have to manufacture touches for... I've seen him called slower Patterson by some guys... unless he can improve his route running and releases, he is going to be an overdrafted gadget player...

BamaBear09 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 13, 2020 11:40 am I would stay away from Shenault... unless you can grab him in the 4th or beyond... he struggles with releasing depending on his speed to get off press which will cause him issues in the NFL with faster CBs... he looks like a guy you will have to manufacture touches for... I've seen him called slower Patterson by some guys... unless he can improve his route running and releases, he is going to be an overdrafted gadget player...

Oh yeah, he's absolutely going to be over-drafted.

Agreed Shenault and I'd add Aiyuk to the list of guys who are more ATH than WR at this point. Of the remaining top WRs who fits our need for speed that has any chance of being there in the second?

Jalen Reagor of course
Denzel Mims looks fast to me
Donovan Peoples-Jones too much of a strider?
KJ Hamler more quick than fast?

I hate that I'm going to be paying attention to 40 times.

crueltyabc wrote: ↑Thu Feb 13, 2020 12:56 pm Agreed Shenault and I'd add Aiyuk to the list of guys who are more ATH than WR at this point. Of the remaining top WRs who fits our need for speed that has any chance of being there in the second?

Jalen Reagor of course
Denzel Mims looks fast to me
Donovan Peoples-Jones too much of a strider?
KJ Hamler more quick than fast?

I hate that I'm going to be paying attention to 40 times.

Nothing wrong with paying attention to 40 times when it comes to backing up what you saw on film... same as the 20 yard shuttle for olinemen...

That said I don't want Brycen Hopkins... I really don't want a receiving TE with the drop issues he has shown,.. he's a double-catcher... and those guys struggle in crowds...

I think we are going to throw money at one of the top free agent TEs and then address RG with one of our top two picks.

You think two big money TE's on the roster is wise?

I'd REALLY love to see them make a move for OJ Howard, but that's probably a pipe dream.

wab wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2020 2:01 pm You think two big money TE's on the roster is wise?

I'd REALLY love to see them make a move for OJ Howard, but that's probably a pipe dream.

I agree he would be a nice piece to add but no matter how little they use him they seem to overvalue him in trade talks.... it's weird...

I think the LSU Guard should not be anywhere near these lists

wab wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2020 2:01 pm You think two big money TE's on the roster is wise?

I'd REALLY love to see them make a move for OJ Howard, but that's probably a pipe dream.

We don't have a choice, man. Rookie TEs take at least a full season before they produce in the League.

Having 18 million tied into two TEs for 2020 will suck but Burton will be gone in 2021. We can offset that by drafting a guard and corner in round 2.

Far from ideal but this offense needs a stud at TE. Pace whiffed on Shaheen and this is the cost.

RichH55 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2020 2:19 pm I think the LSU Guard should not be anywhere near these lists

I disagree. Damien Lewis is a stud!

Wr Antonio Gandy-Golden of Liberty is the best WR in this class.

The kid is a beast!

EricTighe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 1:20 pm

RichH55 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2020 2:19 pm I think the LSU Guard should not be anywhere near these lists

I disagree. Damien Lewis is a stud!

Not at football he isn't

I am being trolled - Sorry new here

RichH55 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 3:13 pm

EricTighe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 1:20 pm

I disagree. Damien Lewis is a stud!

Not at football he isn't

I am being trolled - Sorry new here

Nah, ET isn't a troll. He's a semi-regular.

He and I disagree a lot, but when he posts they're legit his perspective on things.

All they talked about was how he dominated the senior bowl practices.
Against Clemson the big three in the middle for LSU dominated the game giving Burroughs all day in the world to throw.
I understand that the other two at LSU are rated higher by every draft guru out there. But they aren't the ones who dominated and impressed during practices at the Senior Bowl. Lewis did. The other two did well they just didn't have everyone talking about them.

EricTighe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 3:56 pm All they talked about was how he dominated the senior bowl practices.
Against Clemson the big three in the middle for LSU dominated the game giving Burroughs all day in the world to throw.
I understand that the other two at LSU are rated higher by every draft guru out there. But they aren't the ones who dominated and impressed during practices at the Senior Bowl. Lewis did. The other two did well they just didn't have everyone talking about them.

Are you sure you weren't confusing him with the LSU Center? He was dominating the practices (or at least looking solid - dominating might be too much)

Lewis was sloppy and down right sub par (I did post this in another thread)

Sorry if I started off on the wrong foot

EricTighe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 1:21 pm Wr Antonio Gandy-Golden of Liberty is the best WR in this class.

The kid is a beast!

I admit, what I've seen of him convinces me that, assuming he runs well, he's going to go in the first round.

EricTighe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 1:21 pm Wr Antonio Gandy-Golden of Liberty is the best WR in this class.

The kid is a beast!

Liberty University? Already sounds like a Ryan Pace favorite.

thunderspirit wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2020 12:12 am

EricTighe wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2020 1:21 pm Wr Antonio Gandy-Golden of Liberty is the best WR in this class.

The kid is a beast!

I admit, what I've seen of him convinces me that, assuming he runs well, he's going to go in the first round.

I don't believe so... maybe in a year that the WR group weren't so stuffed... there are a lot of more polished WRs available this season... he is a good prospect but struggled against higher level opponents, I could see him in the late 2nd or early 3rd....

BamaBear09 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:20 am

thunderspirit wrote: ↑Tue Feb 25, 2020 12:12 am
I admit, what I've seen of him convinces me that, assuming he runs well, he's going to go in the first round.

I don't believe so... maybe in a year that the WR group weren't so stuffed... there are a lot of more polished WRs available this season... he is a good prospect but struggled against higher level opponents, I could see him in the late 2nd or early 3rd....

I may well be wrong (certainly wouldn't be the first time), but we'll see.

thunderspirit wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2020 11:47 am

BamaBear09 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:20 am

I don't believe so... maybe in a year that the WR group weren't so stuffed... there are a lot of more polished WRs available this season... he is a good prospect but struggled against higher level opponents, I could see him in the late 2nd or early 3rd....

I may well be wrong (certainly wouldn't be the first time), but we'll see.

He's a fun receiver on film, I see good traits but this draft is stocked full of top WRs...

I have personally gone away from all these speed guys in the draft. 90% fail. But when you get a WR that can go up and get a ball when covered now that is something to wonder at.

Not to mention what WR in this draft didn't have issues against top tier competition? This kid reminds me of a bigger version of Alshon. When this kid gets hands on the ball it is so fun to watch what he does after the catch. It makes it look like a grown man playing against kids.