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By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox have a MLB roster with a bright future, and tonight another piece is added to the puzzle. The Chicago White Sox make the call to former Oregon State Beaver Nick Madrigal to take over second base for Chicago. The Chicago White Sox designated reliever Kelvin Herrera for assignment to make room on the roster for Madrigal. Madrigal came in as the fourth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft as a pick White Sox fans couldn't wait to see play for the White Sox. The speedy right hander is great at contact hitting and a special trait of a low strike out rate that can get White Sox fans excited for many years to come.
Madrigal played very good during the 2020 spring training team intrasquad games prior to the 2020 season start. Madrigal received compliments on his plate discipline and consistent hitting from veterans pitchers he faced like Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel. The new White Sox second baseman is a hard working, confident rookie that should mesh really well with the good character players already with the White Sox.
Madrigal comes up to a major league club in the White Sox in need of more defense and consistent hitting this early in the season. Madrigal will be batting ninth in his major league debut as the White Sox face the division rival Kansas City Royals. The Chicago White Sox have great potential for this season early, and Madrigal I hope brings his winning experience from college to this team. I see the new second baseman as a main focal point in the White Sox infield for the next decade. I like Nick Madrigal's work ethic , and after not making the Opening Day roster he continued to work toward his goals. I see him as a successful second baseman in the MLB and wish Nick the best of luck in his MLB Debut tonight in White Sox black and white at Kaufman Stadium tonight.
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By: Will Farlow
The Chicago Cubs ended the 2019 season on a sour note finishing in third place in the NL Central and falling short to the Milwaukee Brewers and the St Louis Cardinals for a chance in the 2019 postseason. The Cubs with a small amount of flexibility in the payroll brought in some veterans to add to the already strong roster featured on the Northside of Chicago. The Cubs have a new manager and familiar face leading the team in a unique Covid-19 affected 60 game season that will determine whether the contention window is closing and if the Cubs need to rebuild . Here is my 2020 Cubs season preview recapping their offseason, the opening day roster , and my takes on the future of the team that calls Wrigley Field home.
Cubs 2020 Offseason
One Door Closes, Another One Opens
The Chicago Cubs faced a decision for a new manager as on September 29th, 2019 it was announced the Cubs would part was with Manager Joe Maddon after five seasons. Cubs fans wondered who would be their next manager following the departure of Maddon, and little did they know the answer that would come. The old saying where as one door closes another opens was the case for the Cubs as on October 23rd 2019 the team announced former 2016 clubhouse leader and catcher David Ross is the new manager. Ross brings in my opinion a good personality and knowledge of the game along with the good connection and bond with the Cubs team and organization.
Key Free Agent Moves and Contract Extensions
The Cubs faced a tough situation in terms of signing free agents and extending key players with a high payroll near the luxury tax threshold. This is a list of the free agent signings and key contact extensions for the Cubs.
RHP Jeremy Jeffress – 1 year 850,000 dollars
2B Jason Kipnis – minor league contract OF Steven Souza Jr. - 1 year 1 million C Jose Lobaton- minor league contract RHP Rex Brothers – minor league contract
2020 Chicago Cubs Opening Day Roster
The Chicago Cubs announced on Thursday July 23rd their official 30 man roster for Friday's Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs have many players returning from their roster in the 2019 MLB season. Illinois native infielder Jason Kipnis was added to the Opening Day roster and could be a help to Chicago at second base.
2020 Outlook
Projected record: 34-26
I feel like the Cubs have a talented roster that can still make some noise in the NL Central in 2020. I have them finishing with a record of 36-24 in this shortened 60 game season with a new manager in David Ross and a tough schedule with NL Central rivals that feature a lot of roster improvement made in the off season. The Cubs with the report of 16 team expanded playoffs have a chance for postseason if David Ross leads them in a way that brings consistent play for Chicago and not too many injuries. If this is the last dance for this current roster they should look to go for it all this season in 2020. The Cubs have questions to answer during and following the season as contracts to stars like Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez are still unanswered to each player's future in a Cubs uniform. I believe the results of this 2020 season determine whether the Cubs keep parts of this roster or if the team is headed for another rebuild.
7/23/2020 0 Comments Chicago White Sox 2020 Season Preview: Does The Contention Window Open in 2020?
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox are finishing a chapter of the organization's history as they finish a rebuild phase heading into a new area with hope of contention for many years to come. GM Rick Hahn and his staff started it back in 2016-2017 with the Chris Sale, Adam Eaton , and Jose Quintana trades. Now those prospects from those trades and more can help the White Sox put their franchise back to its winning ways. The 2020 MLB season will be unique as due to the Covid-19 pandemic it is a 60 game season. Here is my takes on the 2020 offseason, the 2020 White Sox roster for opening day, and whether 2020 opens the window of contention for the Southsiders.
2020 Offseason
New Faces and Contract Extensions
The Chicago White Sox hit the ground running in the 2020 MLB off season by bringing in key veterans that could help the youngsters and bring the team toward success. The most notable of these was resigning team leader Jose Abreu who is a key part in the White Sox clubhouse. The Chicago White Sox started the off season with signings and trades such as the ones listed below.
C Yasmani Grandal – 4 years 73 million (highest contract in team history)
Resigned 1B Jose Abreu – 3 year 50 million Trade w/ Texas Rangers: White Sox acquire OF Nomar Mazara for prospect OF Steele Walker LHP Gio Gonzalez 1 year 5 million LHP Dallas Keuchel – 3 years 55 million 1B Edwin Encarnacion – 1 year 12 million RHP Steve Cishek – 2 years 6 million
Following these smart free agent signings by the White Sox, Rick Hahn made some contract extensions to key Sox players part of the team's long term plans.
3B Yoan Moncada – 5 years 70 million
RHP Aaron Bummer- 5 years 16 million OF Luis Robert- 6 years 50 million
2020 White Sox Roster entering Opening Day
The White Sox announced on Thursday July 23rd their official 30 man roster for Friday's Opening Day game against the Minnesota Twins. Sox fans will notice a key infield prospect name missing from the list. Nomar Mazara is on the White Sox roster but temporarily on the injured list. White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech is not included due to his opt out of the 2020 season.
2020 Outlook
Projected record: 38-22
The Chicago White Sox have not had a winning record since 2012 and are looking to get back to their winning ways here in 2020. The White Sox feature a greatly improved lineup along with a rotation and bullpen that should continue success from last year. I am looking for players like Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease to improve for this rotation along with Giolito continuing where he left off in 2019. The lineup should put up a lot of runs and be fairly effective on defense as we look for continued growth from Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada and new center fielder Luis Robert. The new veterans like Yasmani Grandal , Nomar Mazara, Edwin Encarnacion, and Chesler Cuthbert should make an immediate impact to the White Sox line up to add with star veteran first baseman in Chicago Jose Abreu. I have the Southsiders taking first place and a division title in 2020 being able to lead over talented division rivals Minnesota and Cleveland. I saw great growth and development from this White Sox team during the offseason and spring training games making there future starting here in 2020 to be very bright.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago Cubs went into the 2020 MLB Draft with needs in pitching, infield, and outfield as they retool their farm system. Cubs rookie scout Dan Kantrovitz was thrilled did a good job of making some smart picks in his first Draft for the Chicago Cubs. Cubs fans should be excited with the five new players headed to the North side of Chicago . Here is my overall draft grade for the Cubs and some info on each of the new Chicago Cubs players.
Round 1: Pick 16 – Ed Howard SS Mount Carmel High School (Illinois)
The high school shortstop is staying home in Chicago with this pick by the Cubs. This is a first round pick Cubs fans will be happy with for many years to come. Scout Dan Kantrovitz following the pick was quoted saying the team was “holding their breaths each pick from 10 to 16”. This is a smart pick by a team that can possibly lose Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, and key infield pieces in free agency in the next few years. Howard is a great defensive , contact hitting shortstop seen by many scouts as one of the best picks from the 2020 MLB Draft.
Round 2: Pick 51 - Burl Carraway LHP Dallas Baptist
I like this pick in Round 2 for the Cubs as they start to add pitching they can develop in their farm system. Scouts see Carraway as a good lefty in a MLB rotation in the future. Carraway has a nasty combination of a fastball and a curve ball sure to annoy hitters in the NL Central once he is up in the majors. I like the potential for Carraway in a future Cubs rotation.
Round 3: Pick 88 - Jordan Nwogu OF Michigan
This is a good pick by Chicago in Round 3 as they need more outfield prospects to develop to the major league team. Nwogu is a play Kantrovitz and the rest of the Cubs front office was happy fell to them I Round 3. Scouts from the Cubs say Nwogu has a rare combo of power and good plate discipline. I think this kid could be a good piece in the Cubs farm system.
Round 4: Pick 117 - Luke Little LHP San Jacinto College
The Cubs take another left hander here in Round 4 with a development pitcher. Cubs fans will enjoy his ability to throw 105 MPH shown in a video last month of the left hander's bullpen session. Little is a tall 6'8 size , but scouts in Chicago feel improving his pitch design and mechanics properly is vital to his development.
Round 5: Pick 147 - Koen Moreno RHP Panther Creek High School
The Cubs grab another good arm here in Round 5 taking high school right hander Koen Moreno. I like Moreno as he brings a good pitch combo of a curve ball, slider, and a mid-90s fastball. Cubs scouts feel he can be a starter in the MLB. This is a good final pick for a Cubs team in need of young pitchers to develop with an aging major league rotation.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox went into the 2020 MLB Draft with needs of left handed pitching and continuing to develop their farm system for the future as the team is heading into contention. White Sox rookie scout Mike Shirley did a good job of making some smart picks in a pitcher heavy MLB Draft. As in any professional sports draft some players fell at picks to Chicago that they prepared for in a good strategic approach. Here is my overall draft grade for the White Sox and some info on each of the new Chicago White Sox players.
Draft Grade: A
Round 1: Pick 11 - Garret Crochet LHP Tennessee
After lefty Reid Detmers went to the Anaheim Angels at pick 10 the White Sox select lefty Garret Crochet. Crochet is a very good left handed pitcher drawing comparisons to Madison Baumgartner and former White Sox star pitcher Chris Sale. Mike Shirley and GM Rick Hahn were excited following the pick and believe this left hander can be a starter . Scouts believe Crochet can be in a Sox bullpen this season and follow a Chris Sale style path to the rotation. I like Crochet's command and effectiveness in his pitches . I love this pick for Chicago as they fill a need of left handed pitchers.
Round 2: Pick 47 - Jared Kelley RHP Refugio High School (Texas)
The White Sox take another good pitcher here selecting Jared Kelley here in Round 2. Kelley is a good high school pitching prospect that was a steal falling to Chicago at this pick as he was projected at #12 of all MLB Draft prospects. Looking at some scouting reports, Kelley is someone that can be a top rotation piece bring his strong fastball and change up. Kelley is praised by Sox scouts for his character and how good his pitch delivery and command are for a high school pitcher. Sox fans should be excited for this steal of a Round 1 draft prospect going to the South side here in the second round.
Round 3: Pick 83 - Adisyn Coffey RHP Wabash Valley College (Illinois)
I like this pick of Adisyn Coffey by the White Sox in Round 3. Shohei Ohtani to Anaheim a few seasons ago has started the trend of two way players, and Adisyn Coffey falls under this category. Coffey is a pitcher that can also play shortstop, third base, and center field making him a good prospect for the White Sox farm system. I like the trend of two way players as it shows you can do a lot in baseball regardless of your position which makes me like this pick for the Chicago White Sox.
Round 4: Pick 112 - Kade Mechels RHP Grand Canyon University
The White Sox continue to take advantage of a pitching heavy 2020 draft class by selecting Kade Mechels. Mechels is another unexpected pick for the White Sox given he is recovering from Tommy John surgery since last month. Mechels has good pitching tools and as he recovers in the Sox farm system look for Pitching Coach Don Cooper to help develop this prospect after his injury.
Round 5: Pick 142 - Bailey Horn LHP Auburn
The White Sox took all pitchers in this year's draft as they finish off with their last pick in taking another left handed pitcher in Bailey Horn. Horn is another good prospect for Chicago to build in their farm system. The Auburn left hander previously recovered from Tommy John surgery, and scout Mike Shirley likes how well this kid progressed and grew after the injury during his college career. The White Sox make a good pick here to finish off an impressive pitching dominant draft class sure to give them well improved pitching depth in an organization already featuring young arms like Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago Cubs finished the season third place in the NL Central with a record of 84-78. Cubs fans are worried at this point as the team is facing tough competition in a division with teams like the Brewers, the rival Cardinals, and a improving Cincinnati Reds team. The Cubs organization faces a difficult decision as star players like Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo could be headed out the door with the next few years of free agency looming. The Cubs need improvement in scouting pitchers, and with a good class of pitchers in this year's draft look to see a lot of new pitchers in the Cubs farm system. The Northsiders will leave it to scouting director Dan Kantrovitz to put their retool for the future hopefully on the right foot here in the MLB Draft. These five picks are my takes on players Kantrovitz should select for the future of Cubs Baseball on the North side.
Round 1
Round 1: Pick 16
Garrett Mitchell OF UCLA
With outfield prospects like Brennan Davis only in Single A this is a smart pick by Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs. Garret Mitchell brings a good left hander that can be a great defender in center field along with good speed and hitting for average. Scouts are concerned about his power developing , but with the smart pick in Round 1 expect him to soar through the Cubs farm system.
Round 2
Round 2: Pick 53
Cole Henry RHP LSU
The Cubs fill their need in pitching with this pick in the second round as they take the right hander Cole Henry. Henry brings to Chicago a strong IQ of pitching which is a great trait to have as a future MLB pitcher. The LSU right hander also features a good three pitch mix of a solid fastball , a 12-6 curve ball, and a good fading change up. This is a good pick for the Cubs in Round 2.
Round 3
Round 3: Pick 88
Taylor Dollard RHP Cal Poly
The Cubs have needs at the pitching position , and they hit a home run with this pick by taking Dollard the right hander. The Cal Poly junior takes his talents of command and good consistency at the pitcher's mound. Theo Epstein hears the cries of Cubs fans for better pitching prospects to aid the aging MLB club rotation .
Round 4
Round 4: Pick 117
Casey Schmitt 3B San Diego State
Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant could be out the door in the next few years as a free agent , and the Cubs take Schmitt as a long term developed option for third base This is a smart pick as Schmitt can develop under Bryant and be ready if the Cubs have a hole to fill if Bryant leaves Chicago.
Round 5
Round 5: Pick 147
Brainden Ward OF Washington
The Cubs finish off the draft by taking another college outfielder they hope can make it to the major league club in a few years. Brainden Ward can do just that as the left handed hitter brings good defensive skills and a bat with average contact hitting. Ward has time once he joins Chicago to develop his hitting and lowering that strikeout rate to eventually be a good piece in the Cubs organization.
By: Will Farlow The Chicago White Sox finished the season on an improved note in 2019 in the rebuild with a record of 72-89. The Southsiders saw growth from corner stone pieces like Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, and starter Lucas Giolito . The White Sox had a busy off season in free agency bringing in players such as LHP Dallas Keuchel , power hitting catcher Yasmani Grandal, a trade for outfielder Nomar Mazara, power hitter Edwin Encarnacion, RHP Gio Gonzalez, and RHP reliever Steve Cishek. The White Sox have a new director of scouting in Mike Shirley as former scouting director Nick Hostetler is now a GM special assistant for major league scouting . Shirley is now given the keys to driving the White Sox into greener pastures of contention with these next five future Sox players to be taken in the first five round MLB Draft. These next five picks are my takes on players that Shirley could select for the White Sox in the 2020 MLB Draft. Round 1 Round 1: Pick 11 Ed Howard SS Mount Carmel High School - Illinois GM Rick Hahn instructs his new scouting Director Mike Shirley to take best player available at pick 11 by taking the hometown kid Ed Howard. Howard impressed scouts from his player as a kid for the Jackie Robinson West team to his stellar play for Mount Carmel. Howard brings impressive defensive play and good contact hitting to a White Sox team that already has a long term shortstop in 2019 AL Batting Champ Tim Anderson. Howard provides good depth at the shortstop position and to play with his favorite MLB player with this smart pick in Round 1. Round 2 Round 2: Pick 48 Dax Fulton LHP Mustang High School -Oklahoma The White Sox take a talented high school pitcher here in Round 2 as they select Dax Fulton. Fulton is a good left handed pitcher that brings the comparison of star left hander Clayton Kershaw. The Mustang high school left hander in my opinion can be a possible two way player with his solid hitting ability paired with good 6'6 size and command at the mound. I like this pick for the Southsiders in Round 2. Round 3 Round 3: Pick 83 Ian Seymour LHP Virginia Tech The White Sox take the smart approach here in Round 3 by taking the left hander form Virginia Tech. Many scouts believe Seymour would return to the Hokies for another season but Hahn trusts his gut with this pick as the White Sox need more left handed pitching in the farm system. The six foot left hander brings the command to strike out a lot of batters and someone Don Cooper will look forward to working with in the future. I like this prospect's work ethic as talked about by his coaches and it makes this a good pick for Chicago in Round 3. Round 4 Round 4: Pick 112 Kaden Palcovich OF Oklahoma State The White Sox go best player available in Round 4 by taking the switch hitter from Edmond, Oklahoma. Kaden Polcovich is a great pick due to his ability to also play second and shortstop giving him the chance to become a good utility player for the White Sox. Polcovich is a good hitter for average with decent defense. This is a good pick for Chicago as a future player that can be useful in the lineup or off the bench in game situations. Round 5 Round 5: Pick 142 Levi Prater LHP Oklahoma The White Sox finish off the draft with another college left hander in Levi Prater. Prater is a good average sized college pitcher as the junior brings many intangibles the Southsiders could use in a pitcher. The Sooner junior is known by scouts as the pitcher that gets strikeouts consistently and barely gives up a run. This is a good pick for a White So team that adds to the need for left handed pitchers in the farm system. By: Will Farlow The Chicago Cubs finished with a third place NL Central position with a record of 84-78. The Northsiders have some long term decisions to make about cornerstones like Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, and Kyle Schwarber. The Cubs have good pitchers in Kyle Hendricks , Quintana, and Yu Darvish but overall an aging rotation. The Cubs have been seen as poor in scouting pitchers , and will look to change that in the 2020 MLB Draft with the many high school and college pitchers that will be available. The Northsiders will leave it to scouting director Dan Kantrovitz to steer them in the right direction long term. Round 1 Round 1: Pick 16 Mick Abel RHP Jesuit High School , Oregon The Chicago Cubs fill a big need with their first pick as they take the Ace high school pitcher Mick Abel. Theo Epstein and company continue the plan to retool for the future as scout Dan Kantrovitz makes a home run first round pick at 16th overall. Abel brings a tall 6'5 height along with improved command and a nasty slider and fastball. I think considering the aging Cubs pitchers this is a good first pick improving the Cubs rotation long term future. Round 2 Round 2: Pick 53 Daniel Cabrera OF LSU The Cubs fill a need in their outfield by taking the LSU outfielder Cabrera. Cabrera in my opinion adds to the depth in the Cubs system of Ian Happ and Cubs prospect Brennan Davis. Cabrera brings his strong defensive play to Chicago along with great hitting. Cabrera brings a low strikeout rate which in my view is not a trait every prospect has on their resume. Round 3 Round 3: Pick 88 Kyle Nicolas RHP Ball State The Cubs continue to take advantage of this pitcher strong draft by stocking up on pitching in their system with Nicolas. The Ball State right hander brings to the North Side a 6'4 size along with good command and the presence on the mound that scares any hitter. Look for Nicolas to develop into a good rotation arm in the future for the Cubs. Round 4 Round 4: Pick 117 Jamal O'Guinn 3B USC The Cubs make a smart long term pick here in round 4 with third baseman Jamal O'Guinn. The future of Kris Bryant in Chicago is up in the air so this ia a safe pick by scout Dan Kantrovitz getting the green light from Theo Epstein for this pick. O'Guinn shows good hitting ability at the plate to drive in runs and I also like his defensive play as well making this a good pick for Chicago here in Round 4. Round 5 Round 5: Pick 147 Jason Savacool RHP Baldwinsville Central High School – New York The Cubs finish the draft with the smart pick with this good high school pitcher Savacool. Savacool brings good control and talent that in the final round is not easy to pass up. Theo Epstein sees the need to improve Cubs pitching and gets a home run pick here in Round 5.
By: Will Farlow
The Chicago White Sox were one of the MLB's busiest teams during the off season as they brought in key veterans like catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Dallas Keuchel, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, pitcher Gio Gonzalez, reliever Steve Cishek, and a trade for young power hitting right fielder Nomar Mazara. The Southsiders also made smart long term contract extensions with cornerstone players like Yoan Moncada, outfield prospect Luis Robert, and reliever Aaron Bummer. The White Sox head into the 2020 MLB Draft with an opening contention window and sustaining future long term success in Chicago. The White Sox have a new director of scouting in Mike Shirley as former scouting director Nick Hostetler is now a GM special assistant for major league scouting . Shirley is going to be in charge of making five key picks that significantly impact the future of the White Sox organization.
Round 1
Round 1: Pick 11
Reid Detmers LHP Louisville
GM Rick Hahn's crew makes a great pick here in the first round filling a big need for the White Sox. New scout Mike Shirley picks a winner here as the White Sox have a right handed heavy pitching prospect system , and Detmers brings another much needed lefty to Chicago. Detmers has good control in his college career at Louisville along with a good curve ball and fastball . I think the White Sox bring in a good college left hander to learn under left handers like Keuchel and Gonzalez as Don Cooper works his magic on this future White Sox starter.
Round 2
Round 2: Pick 48
Will Klein RHP Eastern Illinois
The Chicago White Sox improve in pitching once again with a second pick of Will Klein out of Eastern Illinois. GM Rick Hahn and scouting director Mike Shirley make a smart move with picking this right handed Panther. I like how Klein has good 6'5 size along with high pitch velocity up to 98 mph similar to White Sox prospect Michael Kopech. Klein brings good command and past experience as a catcher in high school. The White Sox in my opinion take a smart approach to a pitching heavy draft by taking Klein at Pick 48.
Round 3
Round 3: Pick 83
Tyler Keenan 3B Mississippi
GM Rick Hahn gives the sign to scouting director Shirley for this pick in round 3. Yes, the White Sox have Yoan Moncada locked at third for the foreseeable future but this is a good depth pick here in round 3. Keenan adds to the solid power hitting prospects the White Sox feature in their farm system. Keenan hits well for average, hits home runs, and drives in a lot of RBIs checking the boxes on this pick for the Southsiders. His defense is average allowing him to develop in the minors giving the Sox good long term depth at third base behind Moncada.
Round 4
Round 4: Pick 112
Alec Burleson LHP East Carolina University
The White Sox continue to add good pitchers to their farm system with this pick in Round 3. GM Rick Hahn sees the need for left handed pitchers on the South side by taking Alec Burleson . Burleson has great command leading to many strikeouts which is something White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper should be excited to see from this prospect.
Round 5
Round 5: Pick 142
Tyler Gentry OF Alabama
The White Sox have strong depth in the outfield , but get a player that falls to their pick here in Round 5. The Alabama outfielder Gentry is a good contact hitter that will need to work on defense and his high strikeout total. The SouthSiders finish off the Draft well right here with the smart pick of Tyler Gentry.
By: Will Farlow
It's just a few hours away from the start of the 2020 NFL Draft as all teams get ready to make their picks. Every pick of the draft in Rounds 1 through 7 each player picked hold the future of their new NFL team in the balance. I have watched the draft over the years , and I have nothing but respect and praise to the draft approach of Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace. Pace has shown Bears fans and opposing teams his trust in his scouting department as he trades up or down to find the players that fit his plan for Chicago the best. The Chicago Bears have big needs on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and its up to Ryan Pace and his staff to put the Bears back into contention this coming season.
Round 2
Round 2: Pick 43
Jeremy Chinn S Southern Illinois
The Chicago Bears fill a big need on the defense as Ryan Pace takes the safety from Southern Illinois. Chinn brings his solid ball first play and work ethic to an already strong Bears defense. Chinn slides in nicely next to Bears star safety Eddie Jackson. The many visits Pace had with the safety Chinn pay off, and I believe the Bears with this pick add a vital piece to their defense. Opposing WRs beware of this new power duo of Bears safeties Jackson and Chinn.
Round 2: Pick 50
Denzel Mims WR Baylor
This is a home run pick for Bears GM Ryan Pace as he takes advantage of the deep WR draft class selecting Mims to replace Taylor Gabriel. Mims brings a good red zone threat to Matt Nagy's offense and the speed needed in Chicago. Mims is projected to go late in Round 1 ,but Ryan Pace trusts his best player available approach by taking Denzel Mims to end Round 2. The opposite wider receiver duo of Allen Robinson and Denzel Mims has a nice ring to it for Bears fans to enjoy for many years .
Round 3
Round 3: Pick 97
Trade with Green Bay: Green Bay acquires Bears TE Adam Shaheen, a 6th round pick (196) , and a future fifth round pick(2021) , Packers sending their third round pick (97) to Chicago
Noah Igbinoghene CB Auburn
Bears make a unexpected trade with NFC North rival Green Bay turning heads of Bears fans as Ryan Pace sees a corner back on his board slip into the mid third round. Chicago sends one of their two sixth round picks along with tight end Adam Shaheen to Green bay for a third round pick the Pace uses to bring Noah Igbinoghene to fill the Bears hole left by Prince Amukamara. The junior out of Auburn is a strong, explosive player that sports a speedy 4.46 40 yard dash from the Draft Combine. The Bears make a good move to solidify long term success and depth for their secondary with this pick.
Round 4
Round 4: Pick 126
Trade : Bears trade RB Tarik Cohen to LA Rams, Rams send their fourth round pick and a future third round pick (2021) to Chicago
Damien Lewis OL LSU
Trade rumors of Tarik Cohen leaving Chicago due to his fit in the Matt Nagy offense lead to him going to LA in a deal that allows the Rams to find a replacement for RB Todd Gurley. Chicago also gets a much needed offensive lineman as they use the fourth round pick to take Damien Lewis. Lewis brings to Chicago good run blocking ability with the opportunity to improve his protection of the passing game. Lewis becomes the long term replacement for Kyle Long for Chicago , and I like this kid's playing ability and energy on the field .
Round 5
Round 5: Pick 169
Brycen Hopkins TE Purdue
Bears fans have waited to see a pick for a tight end that can catch the ball along with good blocking ability , and Ryan Pace gets that tight end in Purdue TE Brycen Hopkins. Hopkins is a safety that was high on Pace's daft board as he brings his 6'4 size and ability to be a blocker and passer adding good depth to the Bears offense. Hopkins can be backup behind veteran Jimmy Graham and can run plays with the offense and TE Demetrius Harris. Ryan Pace's many visits with the Boilermaker TE pay off as he makes a great pick in the mid rounds. The Bears make a statement for their win now mode and long term goals by making this pick in Round 5 that will make Bears fans very happy.
Round 6
Round 6- Pick 200
James Robinson RB Illinois State
This trade fills the hole at RB for Chicago following the trade of Tarik Cohen to the LA Rams. Ryan Pace seeks a veteran RB with postseason experience as he brings Adrian Peterson back to the NFC North to the Windy City. Peterson now sits as a good backup to mentor David Montgomery and new rookie RB James Robinson. Chicago also gets a seventh round pick for next season in 2021 from Washington. Pace makes another surprise move solidifying the Bears running game into a strong offensive force against opposing defenses.
Round 7
Round 7: Pick 226
Trade: Chicago sends their seventh round pick (226) to Miami, Miami send their seventh round pick (251) and a future sixth round pick (2021) to Chicago
Bears GM Ryan Pace gets a call for Miami seeking a player earlier in the seventh round leading to a smart trade that allows Chicago to move down and pick up a future pick for next year's draft.
Round 7: Pick 233
Trade: Chicago sends their seventh round pick(233) an a future sixth round pick (2021, from Miami) to the Washington Redskins, Washington sends veteran RB Adrian Peterson and a future seventh round pick (2021)
This trade fills the hole at RB for Chicago following the trade of Tarik Cohen to the LA Rams. Ryan Pace seeks a veteran RB with postseason experience as he brings Adrian Peterson back to the NFC North to the Windy City. Peterson now sits as a good backup to mentor David Montgomery and new rookie RB James Robinson. Chicago also gets a seventh round pick for next season in 2021 from Washington. Pace makes another surprise move solidifying the Bears running game into a strong offensive force against opposing defenses.
Round 7: Pick 251 (from Miami)
Mason Fine QB Northern Texas
The Chicago Bears see an opportunity to move down and take Northern Texas QB Mason Fine. Ryan Pace likes this project QB for his strong arm, and football IQ in game situations. Fine averaged 3000 plus yards, 25 plus touchdowns, and a 62 percent of completion in three season for Northern Texas. Pace takes the QB to give a future piece to support Mitchell Trubisky as a third string behind veteran Nick Foles.
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