Five Risers From the NFL Combine the Bears Should Have Their Eye On
With only about seven weeks until the NFL Draft, its time to learn about potential fits for the Bears to utilize with their picks.
The NFL combine was last week, which is a huge component of scouting these future NFL players.
There are several players who boosted their stock with how they tested.
Here are 5 of who would be great fits on the Bears.
Jeremy Chinn – S // Southern Illinois
Safety Jeremy Chinn really impressed at the combine this past week. Standing at 6’3 and 221 pounds, Chinn possesses the good size to play opposite Eddie Jackson at strong safety. Chinn’s numbers at the combine really boosted his stock, and he could go as high as a mid-round draft choice next month. Chinn ran a 4.45 40 yard dash, with a 41 inch vertical and 20 reps on the bench press.
Chinn possesses good man skills and could be a box safety that can stick a tight end. The Bears could use safety help with Haha Clinton-Dix being an impending free agent, and no solid depth to step in. Chinn should be on Chicago’s radar for this year’s draft.
James Morgan – QB // Florida International
We all know the Bears need to bring in competition for QB Mitch Trubisky, and there is one quarterback that impressed at the combine that the Bears could steal late in the draft. QB James Morgan out of Flordia International possesses ideal size for an NFL pocket passer, standing at 6’4 and 230 pounds.
Morgan looked sharp in throwing drills last week and solidified himself as a quarterback that will be drafted in 2020. The Bears can bring in Morgan in the sixth round or later, and could be the new 3rd string QB along with an established veteran hopefully.
Jon Runyan – OL // Michigan
OL Jon Runyan impressed at the combine. Standing at 6’4 and 306 pounds, Runyan was an above-average tackle at Michigan, but may not possess the height or arm length to be an NFL tackle, but could be a great swing lineman for the Bears.
Runyan tested very well for a guy his size, running a 5.08 40, posting a 30.5 inch vertical, and 24 reps on the bench press. Runyan is projected to go on day 3, and he could provide great depth on the line and perhaps be the Bears’ new swing tackle next season.
Ezra Cleveland – OT // Boise State
Boise State Tackle Ezra Cleveland is another lineman who was on the rise at last week’s combine. Cleveland hails from the same college as Charles Leno and possesses the ideal size to eventually replace him, standing at 6’6 and 311 pounds. Cleveland is also an elite mover for his size, running a 4.93 40, with a 30 inch vertical and 30 reps on the bench press.
Cleveland is raw, as he needs to build up more play strength to be effective at the NFL level, but he has the athleticism and size to be a good NFL tackle. The offensive line was a major concern in 2019, and the Bears could build for the future with a late-round flier on a well-sized athlete here.
Cole Kmet – TE // Notre Dame
Although this draft is not deep at tight end at all, it was also a major concern for Chicago last season. There are many tight ends that should be on the Bears radar, but Cole Kmet should be at the top of the Bears’ list. Kmet, a Notre Dame product, is 6’6 and 262 pounds.
He possesses the size to be a good blocker as an in-line tight end, but also is a great athlete, as he tested well in the field drills. Kmet ran a 4.7 40 and has a 37 inch vertical. Kmet would be a great addition to the Bears’ tight end room and can come in and contribute to the passing game as a rookie.
The Bears have many needs going into the draft such as QB, CB, TE, OL, and OLB, and most of those have to be addressed through the draft.
Ryan Pace has to hit this year’s draft out of the park, or it could mean his job. This team has too much talent to not be more successful, and it all starts with good drafting.
Featured Image: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
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