The University of Michigan Pro Day for their NFL Draft eligible players has attracted a lot of decision makers from countless NFL teams. As reported by Jim Nagy of SeniorBowl.com, no college has ever had as many players participate in a pro day, and no team has more representatives in Ann Arbor than the Chicago Bears. Chicago holds the the first and ninth overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears contingent at the Michigan Pro Day includes:
Ryan Poles (General Manager); Matt Eberflus (Head Coach); Shane Waldron (Offensive Coordinator); Kerry Joseph (Quarterbacks Coach); Chris Beatty (Wide Receivers Coach)
Who could the Bears be interested in at the Michigan Pro Day?
JJ McCarthy (QB) is at the top of the list for Ryan Poles and company. From the beginning of the offseason, Poles has stated that they will be doing a thorough and exhaustive search for the next Bears signal caller. They will leave no stone unturned when looking for the heir apparent to Justin Fields, who was recently traded to the Steelers. McCarthy has reportedly been climbing draft boards and may be taken in the top five of the draft. While it looks like the Bears are going to select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, the Bears are doing their due diligence and are sure to be interested in seeing McCarthy.
"hE's JuSt A gAmE-mAnAgEr"
explain this: pic.twitter.com/pXLZhgyplx— Janik Eckardt (@JanikEckardt) March 18, 2024
Roman Wilson (WR) is probably the most likely Michigan Man to have his name called by Chicago. With their recent addition of Keenan Allen, the Bears are less likely to use their second first round selection on a receiver. While it’s still quite possible they choose a receiver with that pick, it is looking more and more like they’ll select an edge rusher. As of now, their next selection in the draft would come in round 3 (75th overall) and would be a great place to draft Wilson, a tough, 5’11” possession type WR (think Wayne Chrebet) who is best in the slot and would fit in well with Allen and DJ Moore.
One fit I really like is Roman Wilson to the #Lions. Feel like he’d be a great addition to Ben Johnson’s WR room.
Oh, and he’ll block. DC will like that.
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) March 7, 2024
Blake Corum (RB) likely won’t be selected by the Chicago Bears, but if he really wows at the Michigan Pro Day, you never know. With the few picks that the Bears do have (as of now), running back is on the bottom of the priority list. He is a proven winner and producer, even though he didn’t separate himself from the pack at the NFL Scouting Combine. Anyone as versatile and powerful as him is worth a look, and HC Matt Eberflus and OC Shane Waldron will give him just that.
University of Michigan photo
Zak Zinter (OG) didn’t participate in the combine as he was recovering from a gruesome leg injury sustained in the Ohio State game. His tibia and fibula are ready to go, and so is he, as he looks to improve his draft stock at the Michigan Pro Day. He projects as a solid guard who can be a very capable starter at the next level. He has the size and strength to play tackle in the NFL (6’6″ 309 lbs), but he is better off on the interior. His feet and quickness won’t hold up against edge rushers at the next level. He’s looking like a late Day 2 pick as of now.
AJ Barner (TE) is someone to keep an eye on. He would fit well as a TE3 for a team like the Bears who are going to try to pound the ball pretty often. OC Shane Waldron is known for being multiple and adapting to his players, so when they decide to get physical and run the ball, Barner can step in as a tight end who can get nasty and block. He stands 6’6″ and weighs over 250 lbs; he’s exactly what they need after adding Gerald Everett to go along with Cole Kmet. Barner can fill the physical TE role that Mercedes Lewis had last year. He is priced somewhere in the 5th round range.
stud LB
— MikePapero (@MikePapero) March 22, 2024
Junior Colson (LB) could find himself playing at Soldier Field next year even though there are no defensive positional coaches listed as attending the Michigan Pro Day, Eberflus is a former defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. So while it’s more probable that they select an offensive player from the Wolverines, an athletic, intelligent, physical 4-3 linebacker who covers well would certainly fit in Eberflus’ defense. Colson is currently holding a Day 2 grade and could be one of the biggest winners of the Michigan Pro Day.
From the Michigan Pro Day to the Chicago Bears
While it’s obviously impossible to know what the Bears contingent is thinking, the Michigan Pro Day is one that can’t be missed. The defending national champions have a lot of players who will find their ways on to the NFL rosters. We’ll find out at the draft if any of them will go from maize and blue to navy blue and orange.
