Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: Sorting Out Their Top Draft Options

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs as Ohio State Buckeyes defenders Terry McLaurin (83) and Eric Glover-Williams (19) pursue during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

It’s always difficult to determine which prospects are the best ones for the Chicago Bears to go after from year to year.

One of the simpler ways to do this is by separating the most notable prospects into specific categories. Namely ones that determine exactly what the Bears will be getting if that player is made their 2017 top overall selection. Which prospect has the most upside? Which one poses the most risk? Things like that. It helps to paint a picture of what this team could be looking at come next April.

Likeliest Home Run:  Myles Garrett

Every draft has a select group of maybe two or three players  that can be considered surefire future Pro Bowlers with only one looking destined for the Hall of Fame. That may seem a bit over the top, but that is how incredibly gifted Myles Garrett is. Everything just comes so easy to the Texas A&M pass rusher. It doesn’t matter who tries to block him or how many. He’s going to find a way into the backfield and will wreak havoc when he does. We’re talking double digits sacks every year for a decade type of talent.

Safest Bet:  Jonathan Allen

This category is reserved for the player with the highest “floor.” In other words a player whom people can rest assured with at least be really good for a team and has a chance to be even better. Jonathan Allen is the most proven of the top defensive linemen in the class. He’s sharpened his teeth at Alabama. He’s got an NFL frame from top to bottom, a rugged style of play mixed with power and quickness. Chicago would be able to line him up Day 1 and he could handle the big boys.

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Biggest Risk:  Mitch Trubisky

Every draft pick comes with a degree of risk. None more so than the quarterbacks. These are the players that can make a team successful for a decade or sink them for at least another five years. Mitch Trubisky is gaining support as the most complete quarterback prospect in the draft from a physical and mental standpoint. He’s got size, mobility, a strong arm and throws accurate passes. The problem is he’s only been a starter for one season. So nobody knows if they’ve seen the “real” Trubisky yet, good or bad.

Flash vs. Substance:  Jabrill Peppers

This category is based on players that have a lot of hype to their names but there is still a question lingering out there about whether or not they can really play. Are they really that good or do they just look that good enough times to fool everybody? Jabrill Peppers is a freak athlete who could be the best safety prospect to come out of college in years. The problem rests on his progression. He still hasn’t showcased the instinct and ball skills of one. If he figures it out he’ll be a superstar. If not, he’ll be an extra linebacker good for a few highlights every year.

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