Chicago Bears 2018 NFL Draft Primer

Second Round

Over the last few years, the Bears have operated in a certain way in the second round. In 2016, Ryan Pace traded down twice to select Cody Whitehair. First, he struck a deal with the Bills and then the Seahawks. In 2017, in order to recoup some extra mid-round picks, he traded down with the Arizona Cardinals to select Adam Shaheen.

And for the third consecutive year, Pace may decide to trade down again, but this time, in hopes of potentially getting a third-round pick.

Regardless of what he does, the Bears pick thirty-ninth overall in the second round.

There are a few intriguing players that could fill needs and make sense for the Bears.

WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

A versatile slot receiver, Christian Kirk could help the Bears in more ways than one. He could help the Bears out in the return game or he could catch short, underneath throws and turn them into big gains.

Kirk may not be the fastest guy on the field, but one thing that he does possess is excellent footwork and consistent hands. Since joining Texas A&M in 2015, Kirk has totaled 234 receptions, 2856 receiving yards, and has averaged 12.2 yards per catch.

The consistency that Kirk brings to the table has gone somewhat unnoticed and should make him a strong candidate for when the Bears are on the clock in round two.

In all aspects, the Bears need consistency. Too often in the past, the team would play well at times in games, looking as if they were ready to turn the corner, before falling flat and crashing back down.

With a proven, consistent presence like Kirk,  he’ll certainly make an impact in Matt Nagy’s offense.

CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado

It’s difficult to project where a guy like Oliver will be drafted. Some have him as a first-round pick, while others see him falling to the second round.

Oliver is listed at 6’ 1’’ and has been reported to have Thirty-three-inch arms. The biggest reason that he’d be an ideal fit for the Bears is that Vic Fangio likes to have long, rangy, athletic cornerbacks.

Oliver uses his length to his advantage. Even when it seems like the receiver has beaten him, he raises his hands in the air and then makes a play on the ball. He may not be a turnover machine or be the flashiest player on the field, but he does all the little things right which make the biggest difference.

As of right now, were Oliver to be drafted by the Bears, he’d likely be the third cornerback on the depth chart, behind Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara. If Oliver falls into the second round, he should draw some consideration. To fill the need at cornerback for additional depth is not as big of a need right now compared to edge rusher and wide receiver. However, should Ryan Pace decide that going with the best player available is, in fact, the best strategy, then pulling the trigger on Oliver would make sense.