As most Bears fans already know, Chicago didn't have much of a year with a record of 8-8 and Mitchell Trubisky showing that he is not the Bears franchise quarterback. Trubiskys ended the 2019 season throwing for 3,138 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as well as having a passer rating of 63.2%. Many fans had high hopes for him and the Bears coming into the 2019 season based on their last year performance which showed much promise with a record of 12-4. Trubisky showed having elite level talent and the potential for him to be the Bears next franchise quarterback. Not only Trubisky, but the whole Bears offense performed poorly for a majority of the season with the offensive line not being able to block, a hurt tight end, and receivers dropping good passes from Trubisky which to be fair, didn't happen quite often. Now the Bears are entering 2020 and have a game plan for next season and are hopeful to improve their team by getting good draft picks at necessary positions. They wait until the 2nd round of the draft to get a pick, even with not first round picks they can still get many good players at key positions they need.
With college football at its end, many of the senior players are heading to the NFL as well as juniors who have to make a choice on whether to declare and head to the NFL or stay for their senior season. Georgia's former starting quarterback Jake Fromm who is one of the top quarterback prospects has decided to declare for the 2020 NFL draft. The Bears have decided to stick with Mitchell Trubisky heading into the next season, but if they were to draft a quarterback if he continues to perform poorly, it would certainly be helpful to have someone who can take over and even have the potential to be the guy for a while. Looking at the quarterbacks in free agency or heading into it are either really pricey or do not have the right kind of talent the Bears need. Getting a quarterback in the draft would be more affordable and Jake Fromm seems like the best option. The 6' 2" 220 pound quarterback ended his 2019 season passing for 2,860 yards for 24 touchdowns and throwing only 5 interceptions. However, some believe that Jake Fromm should stay for his senior season to get better with him not having a breakout season, but the young quarterback could surprise us in the NFL.
While many think the main issues with the Bears was an incapable quarterback, a good portion of the issue also lies with the offensive line. They could not block well enough for Trubisky to make plays when he needed to and that cost them their season. One of their best offensive linemen Kyle Long has decided to retire from the NFL, so a dominant offensive lineman is a big need. Trey Smith is one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the draft, and he give plenty of reasons to be in the second round. Standing at about 6'6" and weighing 320 pounds, Smith is an absolute machine on the offensive line. He is powerful at the point of attack, especially on the interior as he consistently clears lanes for running backs to run through. David Montgomery, who was a rookie was a powerful running back who could gain yards with a mediocre offensive line would be even more dominant with Trey Smith on the line. If the Bears are still struggling with a pass game, a run game will be needed and Trey Smith will contribute the best wherever on the line he is put at.
It isn't only offense the Bears need to work, but there defense has not been the same since last season when their defense was probably best in the league. While they have Khalil Mack, arguably the best outside linebacker in the NFL they still need players who can defend against the pass game. Drafting a cornerback would be a good place to start and Jeff Gladney would be a good choice. Gladney is a smart and athletic cornerback on the outside, who reads the quarterback well and shows great natural instincts in coverage. He mirrors opposing receivers well and is quick to the ball in coverage. He is a strong man to man defender and would be dominant on the outside or even moved to slot. Gladney also has tremendous ball skills and soft hands so getting an interception is likely to happen with him on the defense.
The Chicago Bears have worked out a lot of tight ends throughout their last 2 seasons and they had high hopes for Trey Burton, but during the 2019 season he fell to injury and became a bust. So currently the Bears don't have any promising tight ends ever since Zach Miller decided to retire. The 2020 draft would be a great place to look for a tight end and the best tight end in the 2020 NFL draft would be Hunter Bryant. Hunter Bryant has first round level talent, but with players at more needed positions ahead of him he may fall to the 43rd pick where the Bears could pick him up. As you watch his film he is a great route runner who appears to run effortlessly through the defense and showing the athleticism of a wide receiver being on the lighter side of tight ends at 6"2' 239 pounds. He would instantly have an impact on the Bears offense and be a dangerous weapon for whoever is under center in 2020. Bryant was having a solid freshman season until he tore his ACL and after he recovered in 2018 he only appeared in 5 games. However, he came back strong for his final season in 2019 with 52 catches for 825 yards and 3 total touchdowns. With the Bears offense lacking, adding a dynamic tight end would be a great way to make it better.
While the Bears are aware of their needs at certain positions, other players at other positions may be needed and it never hurts to draft a player as a backup in case the starter gets hurt. Offense is their main priority, specifically at tight end, O-line, and quarterback even if they say Trubisky will do better, defense is always good to keep stacked at and their will be many great players at the 2020 East West Shrine bowl. This is an event where the best college players from the East and West gather to play a game to showcase their talent to NFL scouts. All of these players have shown that they are the best in college football and are ready for the NFL. It is a perfect place for the Bears to scout players that could benefit their team, even if they won't make an impact or fill a big need for them. The Chicago Bears have the potential to be a great team, they just need the right weapons and scouting this game would show them which players will make their team better and eventually help them make it to the Super Bowl.