Chicago Bears first round big board, spoiler: no QBs
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears Draft Board: 8) Jordan Addison, WR USC
A versatile receiver who can play inside or out, Addison has the speed to stretch the field as well as the patience and route-running ability to carve out the middle of any defense. At 6’0″ and nearly 200 lbs, Addison is far from undersized for an NFL receiver, and with a 4.39 40-yard dash, he will be one of the more explosive receivers in the league.
In 2021, Addison won the Fred Biletnikoff award as the best collegiate receiver in the nation at Pittsburgh, and after transferring to USC, his numbers regressed a bit, but it is undeniable how talented he is as a pass catcher. Despite the statistical drop-off, Addison should be a top-15 selection in this year’s draft.
NFL Comp: Stefon Diggs
Chicago Bears Draft Board: 9) Trenton Simpson, LB Clemson
Simpson is one of the few true freaks of nature in this year’s draft class, as the Clemson linebacker measures at 6’3″ and 240 lbs and runs a 4.39 40-yard dash. Lanky, strong, and fast, Simpson can play anywhere across most teams’ linebacking cores and has above-average instincts as an off-ball linebacker.
Simpson was extremely productive at Clemson, accumulating 137 tackles and seven sacks in his two seasons as a starter. Not the best natural pass coverage backer, Simpson recorded only five pass breakups and zero interceptions as a starter, but he has the natural abilities to improve in coverage against slot receivers and tight ends at the next level.
Somewhat of a raw prospect that can be plugged in immediately at the linebacker position, Simpson will likely be a first-rounder, but his athleticism and projection may push him as high as the top 10 in the draft.