(670 The Score) Bears general manager Ryan Pace made major moves prior to the 2018 season, believing his team was on the verge of contention. What followed was a year in which Chicago enjoyed a worst-to-first turnaround and established its foundation for years to come.
The cost of acquiring superstar Khalil Mack and rookie receiver Anthony Miller was trading draft capital away, and the Bears are left with limited resources now for this 2019 offseason. The NFL officially set its order for this April's draft, and the Bears are slated with only five picks -- and no compensatory slots, as expected.
The Bears are set with picks in the third round (87th overall), fourth round (126th), the fifth round (162nd), and two in the seventh round (222nd, 238th). The additional seventh-round pick, the 222nd slot, came from the Eagles in the trade of defensive back Deiondre' Hall.
This comes after the Bears traded their 2019 first- (24th) and sixth-round (196th) picks to the Raiders as part of the deal for Mack last September. They also dealt the second-round pick (56th) last April to move back into the 2018 second round and select Miller.
Pace can sleep well this spring knowing what he got in return for these deals. Mack was an All-Pro in his first season with the Bears, posting 12.5 sacks in 14 games and helping lead a turnaround for the Chicago defense that brought it to the top of the league. Miller was second among all rookie receivers with seven touchdown receptions in 2018.
Pace does have experience drafting without a first- or second-round pick, having gone through that with the Saints' front office for the 2013 draft. They would select a defensive tackle out of Regina that year named Akiem Hicks, a Pro Bowl player for the Bears in 2018.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
