Watch CBS News

Bears Have No. 11 Pick In 2016 NFL Draft

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With the 11th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will hope to have selected a building block for the future.

How this announcement is unveiled by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could play a vital part in the future of the Bears, a rebuilding franchise. Year 1 for coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace ended with a 6-10 record and marked improvement from where they took over. As a result, they have earned the No. 11 pick of the draft.

The Bears showed plenty of progress in the first year of their new regime, but the team lacked enough collective talent to reach the playoffs. Now, Pace and his front office enter an important offseason with plenty of questions to answer. Chicago boasts nine draft picks and cap flexibility to add on and bolster this roster.

Reflecting on the 2015 season, Fox offered plenty of pride while adding hope for the future.

"Hang with us," Fox said. "We're going to get there. There will be way better days to come."

So, what will the Bears do with their 11th pick? Frankly, they can go just about any direction. With so many needs across the board, Chicago can select just about any position and become a better team. Another added bonus for the Bears is getting Kevin White, the No. 7 pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, with the 2016 roster as essentially a new rookie after he missed the entire season with a leg injury.

The Titans (3-13) have the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, following the selection of quarterback Marcus Mariota as the second pick of the 2015 draft. The Bears landed at No. 11 after their 24-20 loss to the Lions on Sunday. Detroit  will draft at No. 16, which is where Chicago would've slotted in had it won Sunday's game.

Following an 0-3 start to the season, it seemed as if the Bears were closer to becoming the team picking first overall instead of one with playoff hopes. Then, they responded and made the season interesting, even reaching 5-6 with a win in Green Bay. However, injuries and inconsistencies brought Chicago to a 6-10 finish.

Who the Bears will select in the draft will be greatly impacted by free agency, especially for a team with great needs. Pace and his staff have done plenty of background work already preparing for the draft, and what's to come could shape the franchise's future.

Now that the regular season is over, the Bears can look ahead to a crucial offseason ahead.

Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.  

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.