The road to the 2020 NFL Draft starts in Mobile, AL, with the Senior Bowl, where Bears scouts will have the chance to get to know some of the top prospects in this draft class.
More than 100 of the top collegiate seniors from schools all over the country will participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, which will take place on Jan. 25.
But prior to then, practices during the week leading up to the game give front offices a chance to evaluate players on the field and meet with them off the field.
The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason, especially on offense. Let’s take a look at seven prospects on offense they should be watching closely this week.
1. QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Considering the uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Bears should definitely pay attention at the Senior Bowl. Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts is a dual-threat passer that can surely help his draft stock with a solid week. Hurts is likely going to fall to the second round, where the Bears happen to have two draft picks. But should they use one of their selections on Hurts?
Hurts had a career-season with 3,851 yards passing and 32 touchdowns, which led him to be a Heisman finalist. But there are questions about Hurts as a downfield passer and going through his progressions, something that current Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has been known for.
2. QB Jordan Love, Utah State
Another quarterback prospect that the Bears should keep an eye on is Utah State’s Jordan Love, who has the potential to be a Day 1 prospect. Love has an impressive arm and dual-threat ability that will make him an attractive candidate. Love is coming off a rocky season at Utah State, and he could certainly benefit from a strong week in Mobile.
But if Love struggles, he could fall to the second round, where the Bears would be waiting in the wings. As the Bears remain publicly committed to Mitchell Trubisky in 2020, you have to wonder how high they’d be willing to draft a quarterback. Then again, should Love be general manager Ryan Pace’s guy, there’s no position too high for Pace to go after him.
3. TE Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
Tight end is a massive concern for the Bears this offseason, and there’s one prospect in Mobile that Chicago most definitely will be watching in Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins. Hopkins had 830 yards and six touchdowns with Purdue this season, which is the kind of production the Bears are seeking from the position.
Hopkins, who many believe has a good chance to be the first tight end drafted, would be perfect as a “U” tight end in Nagy’s offense, where he can create separation in the passing game and provide a mismatch against safeties.
4. TE Harrison Bryant, FAU
The Bears have been missing an athletic pass-catching tight end, but they could find that in Florida Atlantic’s Harrison Bryant. Bryant, a four-year starter at FAU, is coming off quite a productive year — where he had 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns — and he’s someone whose stock could rise with a solid week in Mobile.
Bryant is an explosive receiver, who led the nation at his position in explosive catches (25) last season. Bryant has a nice blend of size (6-foot-5, 240 pounds), athleticism and skill set that should allow him to flourish in the NFL.
5. OT Josh Jones, Houston
The Bears need plenty of offensive line help, and Houston’s Josh Jones is a prospect worth keeping tabs on. Jones, a four-year starter at left tackle, has an athletic build and physicality that makes him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Jones is still a raw talent, so the Bears could draft him as a developmental project to eventually replace left guard Charles Leno Jr. or right tackle Bobby Massie. Jones could certainly benefit from new offensive line coach Juan Castillo, who has a reputation for grooming young talent.
6. OG John Simpson, Clemson
With fixing the run game a main focus this offseason for the Bears, one prospect they’d do well to watch this week is Clemson offensive guard Josh Simpson. While Simpson lined up primarily at left guard for the Tigers, he’s able to play both guard positions.
Simpson’s versatility at the guard position would be beneficial for the Bears should injury concerns arise. While the Bears offensive line is all but set, with the exception of right guard, Simpson would be a player Chicago could plug in at the position.
7. OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
If the Bears are looking for a versatile offensive lineman, they should look no further than Oregon’s Calvin Throckmorton. Throckmorton played primarily at right tackle for the Ducks, but he can play all five positions on the offensive line.
Throckmorton proved his versatility at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where coaches played him at different positions across the offensive line and he impressed. Given the Bears can use help wherever they can get it on their line, Throckmorton is a prospect the Bears would do well to keep an eye on.
