The Chicago Bears are still getting their coaching staff together, but their scouts were already at the Senior Bowl, and Ryan Poles joined Matt Eberflus at the event after the two were introduced as the franchise leaders.
They may be a bit behind right now, but they were able to take in some of the best in terms of upperclassmen who will be in the 2022 NFL draft. Who were some players that boosted their stock, and could be in the range for the Chicago Bears?
Chicago Bears must follow these players
Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis
If the Bears want to replace Tarik Cohen then they have to be looking into Calvin Austin. Beyond that, Matt Eberflus said he wanted team speed, and Austin may end up as of the fastest players in the draft when all is said and done.
Austin has to answer questions, and while he cannot answer for his size, he did play above his size this week, and throughout his career. Austin got work in the return game and had an explosive reception in the game. He did as much as he can for the situation.
Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Watson is the reason that this event is so big. Yes, he flashed at the FCS level, but now he gets a week with NFL staff against FBS leaders. Watson won from the weigh-ins to the last drive of the game for his offense. His size is undeniable, and his speed adds an intriguing element.
Watson drew a PI in the Senior Bowl on Saturday and had a great week of practice, showing that he belongs here.
Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Greg Dulcich had a big week that increased his position in the draft. He showed a strong overall ability in his game. We knew he could work after the catch, but he added as a blocker, and had a good catch over the middle, sitting in zone during the game. The Bears have no tight ends other than Cole Kmet, so they have to keep an eye on Dulcich.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin
Jake Ferguson is another tight who is showing out as a blocker, and pass catcher. He was one of the most consistent blockers throughout the week and added a touchdown reception as well. He finished with three catches and 67 yards on top of that touchdown, opening the eyes of scouts across the NFL.
Dylan Parham, OL, Memphis
One of the biggest reasons that Parham is a winner is his versatility. We knew that Parham was a guard when he came into the week, but he spent the week working hard taking center snaps. Some of it was that they needed help at center this year, but the added versatility is huge, and he handled the change well. That will go a long way for a player like him.
Trevor Penning, OL, Northern Iowa
Penning is another player that is using this week to prove that the small school notion can be put to bed with him. Early in the week, he almost looked too excited to show out and was pressing to make an impression. By the end of the week, he had proven that he was one of the best players in this group. He has the size and plays with a nasty demeanor that goes rep to rep at practice. That is what everyone wants to see.
DeAngelo Malone, OLB, Western Kentucky
Malong had a lot of questions to answer this week. He was an FBS player, but non-power five, and got to face more talent this week than most of his 2021 season. Beyond that, this is an edge rusher who checked in under 240 pounds. That is arguably too small for the edge, and many thought he would get work at linebacker.
He told scouts he was a pass rusher, and rush the passer he did. We all knew speed was his game, but for his size he did a really good job handling his own with power. He opened plenty of eyes this week with his commitment.
Travis Jones, NT, UCONN
A nose tackle at UConn is going to get buried in the weeds if you do not pay enough attention. Luckily for him, scouts found him and he got the invite to Mobile. He dominated practice, and the game, showing that he is not just a big man who plots in the middle. Jones got upfield with aggression, strong hands, and quick feet for his size.
Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
Winfrey was the MVP of the event, so he has to be added. At Oklahoma, he is typically only used in one way, but he was able to show a variety of skills and alignments of this week. Of course, it also helped that he had two sacks this week.
Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Beavers is a tough dude, and he did not back down in the Oklahoma drills. We knew that Beavers could blitz and attack downhill, but what improved his stock this week was how well he looked playing in coverage. He showed a more well-rounded skill set than what he was asked to do in college.
Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
Brian Asamoah was one of the big winners of the week at practice, per PFF. They noted the biggest thing in his game that he highlighted was his run defense. This is huge because we believe that he is going to be a combine darling due to his athleticism. Some of his questions coming from the Big 12 are how well he can take on blocks going downhill. Answering that was a huge win this week.
Jesse Luketa, EDGE, Penn State
Jesse Luketa entered the week as the other Penn State pass rusher, but arguably had the better week of practice. He needed it because he was mainly used rotationally for the Nittany Lions and was considered a day three pick. However, his athleticism flashed in big ways, and he may be viewed as a third-round rotational pass rusher now.
Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
Chad Muma has two big things going for him. Logan Wilson being a star on the Bengals defense shows that Wyoming linebackers have a good track record, and his week showed that you can judge the player and not the helmet and come to the same conclusion. Muma can play.
One of his most impressive notes was chasing down Malik Willis and making a touchdown-saving tackle. He seems to always be near the ball and took a great angle on that play.
Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
McCreary is local to Mobile, Alabama, and he looked right at home. His length was an initial loss, but the last one that he had this week. He was sticky in coverage, and his strength in drills that favor wide receivers will go a long way for his draft stock.
Lorenzo O’Neal, S, Texas A&M
O’Neal could be just what the Chicago Bears need as a versatile safety who could compliment Eddie Jackson. He was awarded the top safety of the week and was all over the place making big tackles and sticking his head into the run game.
Jalen Pitre, DB, Baylor
Jalen Pitre showed the versatility that teams will love. He can move from the slot to centerfield and even the outside if you want him to. Pitre showed well at every position and was a presence in the slot during the game.
JT Woods, S, Baylor
Pitre had the better week, but the Baylor Bears teammate had the game-sealing interception. He is more of a defined safety, but he was a ball hawk throughout the season and showed once again what he is the best at. Teams want to turn the ball over, and will look to the fact that he gets them in games, practices, and exhibitions and think highly of that skill.