So, Ryan Pace did almost exactly what I wanted him to do on Day Two, only he (1) picked up one more fourth round pick than I hoped and (2) drafted an offensive lineman that represented exceptional value instead of grabbing a defensive back. I'm not arguing here: Pace gets an A+ from me for Day Two.
Thankfully for those of us who love to follow the draft, Day Three got a lot more interesting today. Entering Friday, the Bears owned the 127th (Martellus Bennett trade), 150th, 185th, 205th (Jared Allen trade), and 230th picks. Thanks to Pace's maneuvering, the club has added the 117th (trade down with Buffalo) and 124th (trade down with Seattle) picks, loading up on fourth round choices where upside developmental quarterbacks, slot receivers, raw pass rushing specialists, and a bevy of defensive backs may be found. That's music to my ears.
Assuming that Pace holds on to all of his picks (not exactly likely), the late fourth round will be an exciting time. Here's what I'm hoping to see from the general manager tomorrow:
1. Find a Starting-Caliber Defensive Back...but Really Two
The Bears' defensive backfield desperately needs additional bodies. The safety position could plausibly survive the 2016 season if Antrel Rolle magically finds one more season in his body and/or Harold Jones-Quartey proves to be a true revelation. Barring either of those developments, Adrian Amos needs some help. Either Duke's Jeremy Cash or Clemson's Jayron Kearse would be a solid strong safety addition while LSU's Jalen Mills remains attractive as a coverage-oriented backstop.
As for the corners, the need is just as extreme. Kalan Reed remains my top target, though Northwestern's Nick VanHoose is attractive based on strong ball skills and athleticism from a slightly undersized frame.
Even if it doesn't happen in the fourth round, Pace has to add more bodies in the secondary tomorrow.
2. Find a Specialist or Two
This is my excuse to sing the praises of wildly undersized Florida pass rusher Alex McCalister. He'd be a fine addition in the latter half of the draft to see if he can have a Mark Anderson 2006-type impact. South Carolina tight end Jerrell Adams looks like he'll never be a big threat in the passing game but he can block exceptionally well, qualifying him for the #2 tight end spot. All-purpose offensive weapon Pharoh Cooper could also fit as a slot receiver, though tiny Daniel Braverman looks like a real slot receiver with elite quickness.
At this juncture in the draft, I'd be happy to see Pace grab an incomplete player with a true NFL skill.
3. Grab that Kicker!
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love Robbie Gould. He has lived my football dream. But it's time to move on, for cap and kickoff reasons. Ka'imi Fairbairn remains a favorite of mine.
In the end, there are oodles of options for Ryan Pace, including additional opportunities to trade up or down. If he keeps his pick, I'd enjoy the following:
117: CB Kalan Reed, Southern Miss
124: S Jalen Mills, LSU
127: QB Connor Cook, Michigan State*
150: TE Jerrell Adams, South Carolina
185: WR Daniel Braverman, Western Michigan
205: K Ka'imi Fairbairn, UCLA
230: NT Antwaun Woods, USC
*If Cook isn't available, let's go with CB Nick VanHoose from Northwestern.
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