The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and there were plenty of prospects that impressed during workouts. Considering the Bears don’t pick until No. 43, there are several of those standout performers that will be off the board well before Chicago’s first pick in the second round.
But there were a slew of prospects that impressed last week that the Bears should have a chance at at some of the biggest areas of need this offseason, including tight end, safety, cornerback, offensive line and quarterback.
Let’s take a look at some prospects that impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Bears could target in the NFL Draft:
S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois
Jeremy Chinn had already put himself on most teams’ radar during the Senior Bowl, but it was his NFL Combine performance that really set him apart. His measurements were impressive — 41-inch vertical jump, 116-inch broad jump and his 4.45 40-yard dash, all of which ranked in the top three among safeties. And he was equally as impressive during on-field drills.
The Bears are looking for a safety to line-up opposite Eddie Jackson, and Chinn could fit in well in that strong safety role. Chinn was believed to be a sixth-round prospect, but his stock certainly has risen after a strong NFL Combine performance.
QB James Morgan, Florida International
While Morgan’s measurements weren’t anything to write home about — 4.89 40-time, 29-inch vertical jump and 112-inch broad jump — it was his arm strength, size and leadership skills that endeared him to several teams in attendance at the NFL Combine, the Bears included.
Given the Bears are looking to address the quarterback position this offseason, there’s a good chance they bring in both an experienced veteran quarterback and a young prospect to groom behind Mitchell Trubisky. Morgan is a solid prospect Chicago could target on Day 3.
TE Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
Bryant is being hailed as one of the top tight end prospects in this draft, and he showed why with an impressive NFL Combine performance. Bryant ran a 4.73 40-time, but it was during on-field drills where he showed his potential with his ability to adjust to throws, his strong hands and his ability to push the blocking sled.
The Bears are all-in on upgrading the tight end position this offseason. While they’re likely going to add a veteran through free agency — word is they’re interested in Austin Hooper — it also sounds like they’ll be looking to bring in a young prospect through the NFL Draft. Bryant would fit well in a Matt Nagy offense with his versatile receiver skills.
OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
Cleveland certainly helped his draft stock with an impressive NFL Combine performance, which included a 4.93 40-time with a 1.73 10-yard split and 7.26-second three-cone, which ranked best among offensive linemen. But like many on this list, Cleveland also gave teams something to think about following his on-field drills.
This offensive tackle class is too deep for the Bears to not take advantage. While they’re essentially locked up with their tackles Charles Leno and Bobby Massie in 2020, Chicago can build toward the future with an impressive prospect like Cleveland, who could project to be a second-rounder after his performance.
CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
While Terrell’s rocky performance in the National Championship Game certainly dropped his draft stock, he alleviated any concerns teams might’ve had with an impressive combine performance. Not only did Terrell run a 4.42 40 at 6-1, 195 pounds (which was the fifth-fastest at the position), but he showcased his fluidity as a defensive back during positional drills.
The future at cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller remains a mystery, but there’s likely going to be a competition between Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and potentially a rookie prospect. Perhaps Terrell could be that rookie partnering with Fuller.
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