2018 NFL Mock Draft: Complete first round after pro days, trades
Scouting Report. Ohio State. 57. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. Denzel Ward. 8. player
Needs: OL, CB, RB
The Chicago Bears are in a decade long need for offensive linemen and cornerbacks. Chicago finally has a franchise quarterback and is supporting him by signing Allen Robinson and Trey Burton. If Chicago can support Mitchell Trubisky with a running game the Bears will look good in a Matt Nagy offense.
That brings Bears fans to the defensive side of the ball. Much like with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bears were a defense-first organization for years but that defense needs a facelift. The Bears will draft former Ohio State Buckeye cornerback Denzel Ward with the eighth overall selection.
Ward has elite speed running a 4.32 in the 40 yard dash while putting up a 39 inch vertical jump and eye popping 136 inch broad jump at the combine. He has the physical tools and the football IQ to start day one for the Bears on their defense. Ward teaming with Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara makes a formidable trio against three and four receiver sets which are so prominent in the NFL in this era.