The Bears are coming off a disappointing 2019 season, where some glaring needs were made obvious by the team’s struggles. While most of those concerns are on offense, there are some areas of need on defense, as well.
Heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, the Bears can find some underrated gems that could help them address areas of need, including tight end, edge rusher and cornerback.
Here are three underrated prospects that the Bears should keep an eye on:
1. TE Harrison Bryant, FAU
The Bears are looking to upgrade the tight end position, whether that’s through free agency and/or the NFL Draft. The Bears could likely get their pick of tight ends in the NFL Draft, as some have them pegged as potentially the first team to take a tight end. But if top options like Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet or Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins aren’t available, FAU’s Harrison Bryant would be a great fit for the Bears.
“He can be George Kittle 2.0,” a scout told ESPN. “He can get that status. You can spread him out. He’s good at route running, pass catching and blocking. Put him in the right situation and he can be explosive. He’s really polished. He’s athletic, runs good routes, can catch over the middle of the field. He’s a better blocker than anticipated.”
2. EDGE Josh Uche
The Bears are looking for stability at edge rusher opposite Khalil Mack. While Leonard Floyd will likely be back in 2020, his future beyond that is doubtful. Chicago would do well in bringing in an explosive pass rusher like Michigan’s Josh Uche. Uche has a knack for getting after the quarterback, where he can create havoc coming off the edge or in coverage.
“He doesn’t have the typical edge-rusher build but likely projects as an outside ‘backer who can sustain pass-rushing downs in certain defenses,” a scout told ESPN. “Loved how explosive his lower-body movement showed up in individuals. Great bend. They’ll call him a tweener in every draft profile you read, but he’s so versatile that every NFL team could find a role for a guy like this.”
3. CB Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame
With Prince Amukamara likely to be a cap-casualty this offseason, the Bears will be in the market for a cornerback to replace him opposite Kyle Fuller. While Kevin Toliver is certainly in play, the Bears need to take advantage of a strong cornerback draft class. One corner to watch is Notre Dame’s Troy Pride Jr., who brings athleticism and speed to the position. Once projected to be a Day 3 pick, Pride Jr.’s Senior Bowl week might’ve elevated him to a second round selection.
“This guy is one of the more underrated corners in the draft and quickly separated himself from the rest with some impressive battles in one-on-ones,” a scout told ESPN. “No-brainer best corner I’ve seen here so far. Great speed and quickness … In my mind, he’s taken himself from a Day 3 prospect to potential second-rounder.”
