The Bears are nearly a month into their offseason, where they’ve already made some moves to the offensive coaching staff. Now, all eyes shift to impending free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft.
On Saturday, scouts from across the NFL will have their eyes on the East-West Shrine Bowl, where prospects will look to elevate their draft stock.
While the Bears didn’t draft any players that played in last year’s game, two of their undrafted free agents — Jesper Horsted and Mathieu Betts — played in the game.
In the past, Pace has found prospects like Bilal Nichols, Javon Wims, Bryce Callahan and Deon Bush from the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Here are seven prospects the Bears should keep an eye on Saturday:
QB James Morgan, FIU
One prospect that has already caught the Bears’ eye is Florida International quarterback James Morgan, who the team met with earlier this week at practice. Morgan has quite the arm along with good size and mobility that make him an intriguing prospect at the pro level, and someone the Bears could snag on Day 3.
OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
Calvin Throckmorton played at right tackle for Oregon, but he’s a versatile lineman that can play all five positions on the offensive line. He possesses good fundamentals and a strong base, and he projects to play guard at the pro level. Given the Bears can use help wherever they can get it on their offensive line, Throckmorton would make a ton of sense.
EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
The Bears are in need of help coming off the edge, and Alex Highsmith is an intriguing Day 3 prospect to keep an eye on. Coming off an impressive 2018 season where he had 18.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, he amassed 21.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in 2019. Highsmith displays a nice combination of quickness and power coming around the corner.
CB/S Shyheim Carter, Alabama
Shyheim Carter is physical with great instincts and versatility in the defensive backfield having played just about every position from nickel corner to safety. Carter was quite productive over the last two seasons, averaging 43.5 tackles (25.5 solo and 18 assisted), one forced fumble and 1.5 interceptions.
QB Tyler Huntley, Utah
Another prospect to watch this weekend is Utah’s dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huntley, who knows how to use his mobility to his advantage. His arm isn’t the best, but it’s good enough. Huntley passed for 3,092 yards with a 73.1 completion percentage and threw for 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also added 290 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.
G Michael Onwenu, Michigan
A multi-year starter at Michigan, offensive lineman Michael Onwenu is an incredible athlete for someone at his size. He uses his 6’3 and 350 pound build to make opposing defensive linemen pay and dominates at the point of attack. While he does have shorter arms, his size and strength make him a nearly-impenetrable force when it comes to getting after the quarterback.
CB Lavert Hill, Michigan
Lavert Hill is a versatile cornerback that could help the Bears with depth at the position. He has experience both as a slot cornerback and on the boundary, but he projects to do well at nickel given his quickness and experience at the position. Hill plays with good physicality, which allows him to cause incompletions and limit the big plays.
