LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When the Bears introduced Ben Johnson as their new head coach in late January, general manager Ryan Poles spoke of his desire to lean on Johnson’s input in personnel decisions.
With Johnson and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen at his side, Poles knew he could learn from their perspectives to influence the Bears’ future. Through the first two days of this NFL Draft, the fingerprints of Johnson and Allen have been all over Chicago's first four selections.
"Ben and I spent a lot of time watching these players," Poles said. "Our scouts did a great job identifying them. And then we kind of talked about how they fit in what we're trying to do if the opportunity popped up for us to select them."
That started when the Bears selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall in the first round Thursday evening. The Bears chose Loveland over Penn State star Tyler Warren, who was widely considered to be the top tight end in this class, because they believed Loveland would be the best fit for Johnson's scheme.
The Bears continued the trend Friday with a trio of additions in the second round, where they selected Missouri receiver Luther Burden III (No. 39 overall), Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (No. 56 overall) and Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner (No. 62 overall). The Bears originally held the 41st overall selection in the second round but traded back in a deal with the Bills to pick up another second-rounder in a six-pick swap.
Burden is a dynamic playmaker who can play on the outside or in the slot. The Bears believe that he'll fit well alongside fellow receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze and offer Johnson more versatility in his scheme.
"One of the unique things about him is he can win a few ways with the ball in his hand,” Bears director of college scouting Breck Ackley said. “He can win with speed, he can win with physicality and he can win with elusiveness. Another guy that can separate in routes and produce after the catch with the ball in his hands. Adds another weapon to the room.
“With what we’re trying to build with coach Johnson, it’s multiple, everybody moving around, so you can’t get a beat. It can open the offense up. So, he adds right into that.”
The Bears’ selection of Trapilo marked their first significant addition at offensive tackle this offseason. He played both tackle positions at Boston College and should offer flexibility for Chicago.
The Bears anticipate that Trapilo will compete for a starting job, though it’s unclear where. Right tackle Darnell Wright, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is a cornerstone player who could potentially shift to the left side to provide protection for quarterback Caleb Williams’ blind side.
Either way, the Bears are fascinated by Trapilo’s potential and eager to see him compete for a first-team role against Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie. New offensive line coach Dan Roushar will have a significant opinion in evaluating that competition.
The Bears made their first defensive selection late in the second round by taking Turner, who plays with the type of motor that Allen covets for his front. Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol pointed to Turner’s “knock-back” off the snap.
Turner didn’t mince words when describing his style of play.
"Just, like, kill, bro,” Turner said. “Literally just go, go, bro. That's all I'm thinking about as soon as I touch the field, all I do is go. I've been having that mentality since a kid. I don't know what it is. I don’t know what it is. I honestly don't know. It's just a fire inside me. Kill. Take their lunch money. Because they ain’t it. They really can’t block me.”
Entering this offseason, Poles placed a priority on improving the Bears’ defensive line depth. He has accomplished that with the additions of defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and now Turner.
The Bears will enter Saturday with three selections remaining in this NFL Draft – No. 109 (fourth round), No. 148 (fifth round) and No. 233 (seventh round). On the third day, teams are selecting from a crop of prospects far more likely to be depth pieces than starters.
As for the work already done, the Bears believe they've added impact players with their first four selections of this draft, with each fitting the new coaching staff's vision.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.