Author: Brandon Murchison, Staff Writer
Join AccuScore now using the code SALE50 for $50 off an annual All-Sports premium membership. For all others this is $349, but as you are reading this article, it is only $299... Join Today
–
Cleveland Browns
The Mitchell Trubisky era got underway in 2017 and went about as expected. The offense leaned on the running game behind Jordan Howard in an attempt to limit mistakes for Trubisky. This showed on the stat sheets as Trubisky barely threw for 2,000 yards and had a TD/Int ratio of 7:7. Now with a season under his belt, the Bears have decided to go all in and provide the appropriate weapons on offense. The additions of Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey Burton have set up Trubisky nicely for an improved sophomore season. With new HC Matt Nagy getting this offense moving in the right direction, Trubisky could be quite the late round sleeper in Fantasy drafts in 2018. With offensive weapons being the primary focus during free agency, expect the Bears to use the draft to fill holes on the defensive side of the ball.
Projected Top Three Picks
Team Needs: CB, OL, DL
First Round: Tremaine Edmunds, LB Virginia Tech
Second Round: Donte Jackson, CB LSU
Fourth Round: Kemoko Turay, DE Rutgers
As you can tell with the projections, it’s all defense early on for these Bears. With the first pick of Tremaine Edmunds, this team may have found their new Brian Urlacher. Edmunds has the size and speed that you look for in an elite linebacker, which will provide them with versatility and production on the field. He has a long frame combined with quickness that will allow him to range from side to side. Edmunds projects out to be a tackling machine in the NFL, and he will be an imposing figure on defense for many years to come. He will provide tremendous value for those of you playing in IDP formats.
ICYMI: The Chicago Bears will bring back their orange jerseys this season. (via @ChiTribKane) pic.twitter.com/o4PHcO8vXE
— LeadingNFL ™ (@LeadingNFL) March 28, 2018
In the second round, the Bears will look to add depth to the secondary with the selection of Donte Jackson. He plays the game with elite speed and athleticism with a very fluid motion. He could very well develop into a turnover machine at this level with his closing speed, which will increase the potential for interceptions. His traits allow him to be an asset either outside or in the slot. Even with a smaller build, he can still hold his own in tight coverage. If there is a negative besides his stature, it’s that his instincts can be troublesome at times. He lacks a certain feel in zone and tends to guess at routes in coverage, leading to big plays. Look for Jackson to slide into the starting nickel corner spot for this team.
The fourth-round pick of Kemoko Turay will add depth to the defensive line for the Bears. Turay is still young in his development but has the tools to make him an explosive edge defender at the next level. He can disrupt an offense with his lateral quickness but can also crash down between the gaps on inside plays. His flexibility will hurt him early in his career and make him easy to block, but all that will change with the right coaching.