Draft: EDGE group of 2019

   Few days away from this years NFL draft and Ryan Pace is still filling holes on his roster signing Aaron Lynch to back up Leaonard Floyd and Khalil Mack at the OLB position one more year. Lynch gives familiarity and game plan experience to the team even if the Defensive Coordinator has changed, Chuck Pagano would be wise to stick as much as possible to the blue print left by Vic Fangio. Again, Pace does himself a favor and reduces significantly the need at this position, he has better prepared himself to go for the better player on every pick he gets which is good in any situation but even better when one lacks picks like the Bears do this year.
   This years group has some promising players with potential to go in the first round but none I see is a dominant player. Josh Allen, Clelin Ferrel and Josh Sweat are my favorites to go on day 1. Brian Burns is another one that could be picked on Thursday but I have him going one day later because of coverage concerns. Jachai Polite, Porter Gustin and D'Andre Walker are day 2 players that if they slide would be my preferred candidates for Pace to pick up. My problem is that aside from these three, I don't see any other player that seems like a natural OLB that the Bears should consider using a draft pick on, I see some DEs with potential but could they play standing up? I don't know but these guys might be intriguing,

   Justin Hollins - I saw some flashes of him rushing the edge with some bend and speed, but his inconsistency and motor are what bother me about him, he doesn't seem to go all out on every play but when he does he looks good and capable to rush inside or out with fluid movement as well when dropping to coverage.
   Christian Miller - Can play standing up but seems to have only one move combo when rushing the edge, needs more moves to get better as a pass rusher but has shown to be good at stopping the run and be where he needs to be, add that he looks comfortable in coverage and you almost got a decent OLB.
   Jordan Braliford - Could play middle LB or DE, uses more power than finess to get to the QB when rushing, better at stopping the run by filling up the run lane and can drop to coverage as good as any middle linebacker should.
   Oshane Ximines - He looks more prepared to play with his hand in the dirt but I consider him a prospect because he looks very raw and could be taught to play standing up. Even as raw as he is, he displays flashes of dominance with good speed, agility and strength to play the edge.
   Sutton Smith - The local underdog, small guy to be playing as an edge rusher but what he lacks in strength he makes up with effort, big motor and wont give up until the play is dead, more quick than fast but agile enough to disengage at the line to beat linemen, can show it as well when dropping to coverage.

   If Polite, Gustin or Walker don't slide, I don't believe the Bears will select someone from this list with their first selection on round 3, its more likely that a RB will be considered for this pick but it will and should depend on which player brings more talent and promise, this is what Pace and his war room should be thinking this next Friday.