The 2019 NFL combine is the talk of the football world, and with every 40-yard dash and vertical jump comes a new mock draft that reflects the changes — both good and bad — in prospects’ draft stock.
The Bears, who don’t have a first- or second-round pick in this year’s draft, are approaching the combine and the draft process, in general, the same way they always have under GM Ryan Pace. In other words, they’re going to win the weekend.
Pace has thrived in the middle rounds over the last few years. He’s hit on picks like Eddie Jackson (fourth round), Tarik Cohen (fourth round), Adrian Amos (fifth round) and Jordan Howard (fifth round), and Bears fans should be confident that he’ll be able to hit again this year, especially with the depth of talent in this year’s class.
One position that’s extremely deep and fills a potential need for Chicago is running back, and that’s where the Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling has the Bears focusing on in the third round.
At pick No. 87, he has Pace nabbing Alabama’s Damien Harris as Chicago’s heir to Jordan Howard’s throne.
Once considered the top back in the draft, Harris has fallen behind several of his classmates in the running back rankings. Still, he has a strong history of production in the SEC and is a more well-rounded player than Howard was at this point in his development. Harris should still be on the board when the Bears pick; this pick could easily become reality.
Easterling has Chicago staying in the SEC in the fourth round with the selection of Kentucky defensive back, Derrick Baity.
The Bears may end up having a huge need in the secondary — albeit at different positions — if both Bryce Callahan and Adrian Amos leave in free agency. As a result, they’ll be in the market for a defensive back with one of their first few picks, and Baity is a mid-round prospect who certainly will be in the mix.
For Easterling’s complete mock draft, click here.
