The Chicago Bears are on their bye week, where they’re sitting at 2-2 and riding a two-game winning streak. There are plenty of injuries and mistakes to overcome while they are away, so it isn’t all bad.
It also gives general manager Ryan Poles and his staff some extra time to scout the college ranks. Even with the Bears off, here is no shortage of football this weekend. A lot of the great games will come during the NCAA slate on Saturday.
One of the games to keep an eye on with a scout’s eye is the match that will take place between the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators. These are the four prospects that the Bears should be considering:
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
The Bears need help when it comes to their pass rush. What they have right now, including Montez Sweat, is simply not good enough. Along with left tackle, the edge rushing position is their biggest hole. If they don’t address the problem in free agency, via trade, or use a first or second round pick, they may consider a guy like Tyreak Sapp. He isn’t likely to be taken on the first day of the draft, but sometime on the second day is perfect for him. Can Sapp make Arch Manning’s life tough on Saturday when the two match up? NFL scouts should be watching to see just that.
Eugene Wilson III, WR, Florida
If the Bears do address some of their more glaring needs, like left tackle and edge rusher, in the first two rounds, wide receiver Eugene Wilson III may be someone to think about later on. The Florida wideout is looking to become an NFL caliber player, and this test against the Texas defense will be great for him. The Bears have Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III as guys they plan on having for a long time, but they may trade DJ Moore at some point. Wilson is worth watching if that is their ultimate plan.
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
The Bears don’t have many long-term plans for their defensive secondary anymore. What was once looking solid has some questions going forward. Michael Taaffe is someone to take a chance on late in the draft if addressing safety with a day three pick is in their cards. Although Florida isn’t the world beaters they wanted to be this season, being a solid ball-hawk out there against him would be great for Taaffe.
Trey Moore, EDGE/LB, Texas
Early draft picks are often the focus when it comes to scouting, but Super Bowls can be won by hitting on good picks late. Trey Moore would love to be one of those guys for an NFL team. He is an edge rusher who can also play linebacker, which seems to be a growing trend around the league. Like Taaffe, Moore is looking to impress scouts with his play against a Florida team that has weapons on the offensive side of the football. If he can have a standout game, the Chicago should consider him as a late-round option. Taking more than one player at this position would not be a bad idea. Until they get it right, they must keep trying.
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