Chicago Bears: 2018 NFL Draft outlook and information

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images /
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The 2018 NFL Draft is almost upon us. Teams like the Chicago Bears are making last-minute plans to make the picks to help the team.

The 2018 NFL Draft is almost upon us. In a couple of days, teams like the Chicago Bears are huddled in their headquarters, making last-minute plans or adjustments.

I expect Bears general manager Ryan Pace to be busy on Thursday. He was busy at the start of free agency, overhauling the receiving corps and special teams. Second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky now has weapons around him. As a result, hopes are high in Chicago for the first time in awhile.

This is an important offseason for the Bears, so expect Pace’s busy work to continue in the draft. Look for multiple trades, something he’s done in just about every draft during his tenure in Chicago.

Here is an overview of the Chicago Bears’ draft situation:

When:  Thursday, April 26-28, 2018
Where:  AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
How to Watch: NFL Network, ESPN

The Bears finished 5-11 in 2017, finishing in last place in the NFC North. It was the fourth straight season they finished last.

Key Additions: Matt Nagy, head coach; Allen Robinson, WR; Taylor Gabriel, WR; Trey Burton, TE; Cody Parker, K

In addition to signing new players on the offense, the Bears also re-signed cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara.

Key Losses: Josh Sitton, OL; Christian Jones, LB; Mitch Unrein, DL; Cameron Meredith, WR

Draft Needs: ILB, Edge Rusher, DL, DB, OL

Picks: 1st Round: 8th overall
             2nd Round: 39th overall
             3rd Round: None
             4th Round: 105th and 115th overall
             5th Round: 145th overall
             6th Round: 181st overall
             7th Round: 224th overall

Possible First Round Targets: Roquan Smith, LB; Tremaine Edmunds, LB; Quenton Nelson, OL

Next: Final Chicago Bears 7-round 2018 mock draft

Outlook: The Bears are looking to make it to the playoffs for the first time since going to the Super Bowl in the 2006 season. As I mentioned, Pace did a good job of doing everything he could to help Trubisky succeed. Nagy is an offensive-minded coach and the offense is designed to help Trubisky succeed. The Bears defense was top-ten last season but with some losses, they need to add depth if they want to repeat that.