We asked our team to list Chicago’s remaining positional needs in the first installment of our roundtable series on the Chicago Bears NFL Draft. We were interested in learning about a hidden position that the Bears might target in the draft in part two. Now for today’s theme…
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73285900/1915750988.0.jpg)
Which Bears prospects are you keeping an eye on in the latter rounds?
Josh Sunderbruch: Although Tanor Bortolini is small by some measures, his aggression and athleticism make him a great candidate to be a superb flex piece in the interior of the line. He might prove to be a great value as a ten-year center, but even in that scenario, there’s a good possibility he’ll competently support a guy like Davis or Jenkins for the next five or six years.
Beaux Limmer’s lack of fluidity and quickness causes him to struggle occasionally. Again, he is a tenacious and seasoned player who could easily transition from guard to center and eventually establish himself as a starter at any position.
Lastly, to break up the monotony of interior linemen, I think Tahj Washington would be a good option to provide the safety blanket for “whomever” the Bears start at quarterback this season. Washington had a remarkable level of synergy with Caleb Williams, and as plays started to fall apart, it was obvious that he understood what that quarterback in particular needed or desired. I could definitely see him contributing to both special teams and as a blocker.
ECD: If the Bears make a couple moves to get more capital later on, I have three guys selected for Day 3 of the draft. USC product Tahj Washington was Caleb Williams’ primary target in the passing game the previous season and does have some upside as a wide receiver alongside DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Auburn’s Jaylin Simpson is a capable all-around safety who can establish himself as one of the top gunners on special teams right away. With more weight gained in the weight room, Simpson may eventually establish himself as a starting safety. Additionally, Louisville’s Isaac Guerendo is a very potent weapon out of the backfield thanks to his combination of size and quickness that, should Ryan Poles fall far enough, will have him racing to the podium.
