For the first time in about 40 years, my favorite team, The Chicago Bears are not desperate going into the NFL draft tonight.
Is it because they were Superbowl contenders last year and are ready to continue their winning ways? Oh god no! The Bears were a train-wreck of box cars hauling dumpsters that were on fire. They were hot garbage that can still be smelled when the wind blows the right direction in the windy city. But for the first time in years, they actually admitted they sucked. And everyone knows that admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. "Hello my name is the Chicago Bears and we suck".
For once, the Bears did not even wait until the off-season to admit their complete suckage. They fired their horrible offensive coordinator after just 9 games with the team. Now that is a great step to admitting a mistake. But they didn't stop there. They also had a complete boob as a head coach. He had no business ever being one. For the first time in franchise history, they cut that dead weight during the season after a ridiculous 12 games.
From that point, the Bears have done everything... right. I can't believe I'm writing that, but I have no choice. All the evidence points to that being the truth and I am one of the people who still seem to care about actual facts. First they hired the #1 offensive coaching candidate of the past 4 years. Everyone wanted Ben Johnson, former offensive coordinator of the highly effective Detroit Lions, and somehow the Bears got him!
Then they proceeded to use free agency to address many of their needs including:
Drew Dalman, C
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE
Grady Jarrett, DT
Joe Thuney, G
Although the Bears still have needs, they have earned the flexibility to draft the best players they possibly can in tonight's draft. They start at #10 but also have picks #39 and #41. They can get 3 very good players. And they can fill any one of these positions and I'll be thrilled as a fan OT, DT, RB, OL, or EDGE. After that, they can go for depth at literally any position.
So who is my guy?
I'd love an OT like Armand Membou or Will Campbell. If those aren't available I'd look at DT Mason Graham. Only then would I look at Ashton Jeanty (unless the Bears have a plan to fill the rest of their needs via later picks in the draft, trades or free agency). If none of those are around at #10 I'd love Tyler Warren to pair with Cole Kmet. And finally is EDGE rusher Jalon Walker.
I honestly can't believe there are so many ways to make me a happy fan. This NEVER happens in Chicago.
Normally this is where I would write something like "now let's just see how the Bears screw this up". But not this year. For once, I actually have faith in this team.
So who is your team and who is your guy in tonight's draft. (And you can cheat like me and name many if you'd like).
