Chicago Bears Draft: What did we learn from Ryan Pace’s pre-draft press conference?

The Chicago Bears held a pre-draft press conference with Ryan Pace at home.

Since Ryan Pace has been general manager of the Chicago Bears, it has been interesting listening to his pre-draft press conferences. It is “smokescreen” week when it is the draft week. However, Pace talked about being more transparent and open. That said, take all that I share with you with a grain of salt.

The thing that stood out to me first was how Ryan Pace brought up football IQ. He mentioned how it would be necessary this year due to the nature of everything. So watching tape on a player’s IQ seems to be something that has been a point of emphasis for Ryan Pace and his scouts this year.

When Ryan Pace was asked about the guard position Pace was determined to show that he liked where the team was at with guard—almost hiding the fact that he either wanted to grab a guard this draft or that he and Juan Castillo are content with the players they have.

What fans need to understand is that we are not in the rooms with these coaches and players. Maybe Matt Nagy and his new staff do like what they see. All us fans can see is the product they put on the field. The thing we are missing is when a play breaks down, whose fault is it?

The shocking part of the offensive guard talk was that Ryan Pace answered a question. He went out of his way to add that the Chicago Bears could add players at the tackle position just like they could guard. Why share extra information unless you don’t have to? My take is that the offensive line is a smaller priority then I had initially thought. Unless Ryan Pace trades down, I could see him leaving both positions untouched until later in the draft around day three.