Chicago Bears: 3 Things we learned from Ryan Pace’s pre-draft press conference

The Bears may not go after a running back?

Okay, so this is the humorous part of the press conference. Pace actually pitched the idea that he’s happy with the running back situation and that he might not necessarily draft a running back in this draft, per ChicagoBears.com:

"Right now, I know running back’s been talked about a lot, but we feel good about that position… I know running back’s been talked about a lot, but we feel good about that position. We feel good about Tarik [Cohen], we feel really good about Mike Davis, we feel good about Ryan Nall and we feel good about Cordarrelle Patterson and the things he can do out of the backfield."

Wait, did he say he felt really good about Ryan Nall being a big part of the running back rotation? As I said, this is the time of year where false news runs abound. Do you know how I know the Bears will pick up a running back? Because of the quote above.

The best the Bears could get out of Nall is for short-yardage situations. Even then, he may struggle at times. He doesn’t have a burst to get momentum and power consistently. He can give the others some rest at times but he isn’t someone to depend on regularly. Sorry, Mr. Pace, but we don’t believe you. Your roster is in need of one more running back and you’ll get him in this draft.

Pace tried not to tip his hand, but that tidbit about the running back belied his intention. Perhaps there is a back he has an interest in who he can get later in the draft. He may be trying to show disinterest in a back so no one tries to grab him earlier. That way he can pick up a prospect in another position and still get his back.

This should be another interesting draft for Pace. The middle to late round picks are his forte so, hopefully, he continues his success there. Then we can start to focus on training camp and ultimately the regular season to take care of unfinished business.