Second Round Offensive Players the Chicago Bears Could Target
There is still ample talent available for the Chicago Bears in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at some offensive possibilities:
With the first round in the past, the Chicago Bears can now set their sights on the second round. Mitch Trubisky will start one day (instead of day one), but the Bears better plan now on how to support the franchise QB. And without a third round pick, they better do something immediately to ensure Trubisky’s success.
Related Story: Bad Bears Trade for Trubisky
Offensive Tackle
What better way to show your franchise QB you care than to draft his personal protection? Make no mistake, neither of the Bears’ starting OTs are worthy of starting. With Garett Bolles and Ryan Ramczyk off the board, selecting Cam Robinson of Alabama makes perfect sense.
Cam Robinson, out of Alabama, at 6’6” and 332 lbs. is the biggest of the elite OT talents. Not long ago he was thought of as the #1 OT in the class. He’s more of a lumbering force, stronger and a bit slower than counterparts Bolles or Ramczyk. Make no mistake, however, if Robinson makes solid contact, that’s a defender who likely is looking skyward after the play.
A second OT prospect is Antonio Garcia out of Troy. He’s 6’6” and just about 300 lbs. Considered a more mobile OT than many others, he really got attention when pitted against Clemson. Garcia showed he was able to handle the elite talent and even excel. Many worry about his size and power, but his technique and speed more than made up for it against the Tigers. Other than a few plays, he buried Clemson defenders all game.
Tight End
Maybe a combination of protection and security blanket is your preferred remedy for what normally ails a young QB? In that case, look no further than this year’s deep tight end class. Great second round targets exist.
Gerald Everett from South Alabama could be a great pick for the Chicago Bears in the 2nd round. Scouts seem to really favor him, and he’s slotted for the 2nd round. Everett’s got some great moves after the catch, and appears to have superb hands. Once in the open field, he really understands how to set up his blocks for maximum advantage.
Everett also has a UAB connection with Jordan Howard. Maybe the Bears can strike gold twice with players who had to find new homes after UAB dropped their football program?
For those who like big TEs who look like OTs, then Adam Shaheen might be your man. Shaheen is an intriguing prospect from Division II Ashland college, and there is a reason he’s even on the radar. Standing 6’6” and weighing in at an impressive 278 lbs., he’s essentially an offensive lineman with great hands. Tackle eligible plays are now unnecessary. Shaheen naturally catches with his hands instead of his body, and moves way faster than a man his size should.
He dominated his level of play the past two years with 127 receptions, 1670 yards, and 26 touchdowns. Whether he was running a drag route and leaving a LB in the dust, or blasting through a DB for extra yards and a score, Shaheen looked like a man among boys. He’d be a great TE to bring in on jumbo packages intended to protect the QB. His size would also allow him to box out opponents in the red zone.
It’s very likely the Chicago Bears select a defensive player in the 2nd round. There are some great players available at both corner back and safety. Ryan Pace has stated many times in the past that he believes in Best Player Available (BPA). Given most Bears’ fans 1st round shock, however, nothing at this point would be a surprise.