Since Bucky Brooks mocked him to the Bears, we’re adding him to the highlight reel continuum.
NFL Draft Prospect: Omarion Hampton [VIDEO]
Since Bucky Brooks mocked him to the Bears, we’re adding him to the highlight reel continuum.
Let’s survey the internet and see where the “experts” have the Bears turning with the tenth overall selection.
Carter Landis, at the magazine formerly known as Sports Illustrated:
10. Chicago Bears – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
“The Bears made multiple improvements to the offensive line during free agency, but making another won’t hurt. Banks has the size and strength to play tackle or guard at the next level.”
Bucky Brooks, at NFL.com:
10. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, RB
“Ben Johnson’s immense success with a two-back rotation in Detroit could prompt Chicago to expend its top pick on a physical runner to partner with the dynamic D’Andre Swift.”
Chris Trapasso, at CBS Sports:
10. Mike Green, Marshall, Edge
“The Bears go with a high-upside outside speed rusher from Marshall in Green, who has the tools to develop into an All-Pro type. Learning from Montez Sweat will aid that process.”
10. Kenneth Grant, Michigan, DT
“The Bears did a great job of addressing their offensive line. They still have some work to do in that regard, but they can now focus on their defensive front, which needs upgrades on the edge and in the interior. Grady Jarrett was signed, but he’s aging out of the NFL.
Kenneth Grant has flashed upside and is considered an underrated talent. Some of Charlie Campbell’s sources prefer Grant to Mason Graham.”
The Bears possess three of the first 41 draft selections in this coming draft, and expectations would be that each of those three players would be potential starters/contributors in 2025. So, where are the biggest needs on this roster as currently constituted?
(1) Edge Rusher. The Bears simply don’t have enough pressure on this roster. They have strengthened their defensive line with the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, allowing Andrew Billings to log fewer miles and Gervon Dexter to slide into a more natural role. But their edge rotation is still severely lacking. But will a player to fill this role be available at their three selections?
(2) Corner. It is a position simply not discussed enough on the whole of social media. The Bears have one top shelf corner. That’s it. Tyrique Stevenson is a temperamental liability. Kyler Gordon is solid, if unspectacular, in the slot. (I’ll be fascinated to see Gordon in Dennis Allen’s scheme.) The Bears don’t need corner depth. They need someone to line up opposite Jaylon Johnson every Sunday.
What could be third? I think Braxton Jones will be much improved with Joe Thuney at his side. I think the improved offensive line and play calling will lead to a more productive backfield. So, where is a starter required?
(3) Wide Receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus can play. Call me crazy but I think Tyler Scott has value. But we are seeing, every year, wide receivers from throughout the draft make immediately contributions in the sport. The Bears can target that position with one of these picks and not only find a starter, but a star. I have a mantra for roster building in this league: Always Be Adding Weapons (ABAW).
The NFL allows their media partners to post NFL content on YouTube. They do not, however, allow secondary sites (like this one) to embed those YouTube videos on our platforms. I guess twenty years of promoting their product is not enough. So unfortunately, only links provided.
Highlights: Atlanta Falcons Grady Jarrett Ultimate Highlights 2024
Commentary: Why the Falcons released Grady Jarrett and how it will affect the locker room – The Athletic
Highlights: Dayo Odeyingbo 2024 Highlights | Welcome to the Bears – YouTube
Commentary: Colts free agency: Why didn’t Dayo Odeyingbo re-sign and join Bears?
Highlights: Creed Humphrey & Joe Thuney vs Vita Vea (2024) | OL vs DL Matchup
Commentary: Chiefs News: Andy Reid discusses Joe Thuney’s departure – Arrowhead Pride
(1) The Bears will have one of the better offensive lines in the league next season. Drew Dalman and Joe Thuney are VERY good players. Jonah Jackson is a significant improvement at right guard. Are the Bears done on the line? Doubtful. Ben Johnson knows his top priority is the QB’s development and he’s well aware that an OL is required to do so.
(2) Grady Jarrett can still play at a high level, and did so in 2024. Dennis Allen has been watching Jarrett tape for years. He knows what he’s getting.
(3) Nothing the Bears did this week should impact their approach when it comes to the draft.
