Chicago Bears hosting Denzel Ward and Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Chicago Bears get 30 pre draft visit invitations. They used two on high profile prospects Minkah Fitzpatrick and Denzel Ward
Ryan Pace and company are in the heat of draft season and are doing their due diligence on most every prospect at this time of the year. However, with just 30 pre draft invitations to spend some time with prospects at your facility, it is always worth noting who teams bring in. This can help tell what direction the team is looking for. Today, the team hosted cornerback Denzel Ward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
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The #Bears continue to host the top defensive backs, as #Bama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick and #OSU CB Denzel Ward are both visiting today. Fitzpatrick previously visited Tampa.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 4, 2018
Isaiah Oliver and Josh Jackson joined the list of other top defensive backs. While there used to be talk about Josh Jackson at pick eight, that seems to have died down a bit. While one thing is certain and that is not to doubt the Bears, Jackson and Oliver feel more like options in the second round at this point. At eight, eyes should be on Ward or Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick is a slot cornerback, turned nickel linebacker, with outside cornerback and safety potential. There is no doubt that the Bears are going to test and see what they can get out of the Alabama star. He was touted as a coaches pet, and once sat in on meetings with Nick Saban. Fitzpatrick will have the chance to put his charm on Pace and Vic Fangio. Knowing Fangio and his lover for versatility, this could be the pick.
As for Ward, while he is the top cornerback in the class, the Bears will have to answer as to whether or not his height is a factor. Coming in under 5’11” is an issue, but his speed, burst and athleticism have overcome it so far. Ward is great at route recognition and could still be a fit at eight.