Emma: Pace's Plan Has Bears' Draft Picture Becoming Clearer

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) There was plenty to read in Ryan Pace's comments at the NFL Combine. The second-year Bears general manager stated his concerns for diving too deep in free agency, with the "dangerous waters" often not worth wading.

Now two weeks past the opening of NFL free agency, Pace's plan became abundantly clear. Day 1 of making moves brought the Bears standout inside linebacker Danny Trevathan and tackle Bobby Massie at outstanding values.

The days that followed saw the Bears add inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, while also re-signing tight end Zach Miller, cornerback Tracy Porter and stacking depth at positions of need.

Pace attacked free agency in admirable fashion, spending wisely on players in their prime. It's fair to say the Bears are in better shape than when free agency began two weeks prior.

"You're looking for guys that still have upside, that are still getting better," Pace said in an interview with ChicagoBears.com, the team's official site. "So obviously when they're 25 or 26, you're still hoping that they're (ascending). But you've got to be careful."

Entering this offseason, one could throw darts at the board and hit a position of great need for the Bears, who were desperate for talent upgrades all across the roster, at each position. Pace and the Bears brass changed that in short time, making the draft process a bit more simple.

The options at the Bears' 11th pick are becoming more clear, with their inside linebacker spots filled, upgrades on the offensive and defensive line, and the tight end position showing promise, even following the trade of Martellus Bennett. There are still considerable parts needed, but nine draft picks will surely help.

Pace has the Bears' roster revealing itself as one of promise for the future -- so what's next? First, the team will finish its free agency, in a time with which agents are contacting Pace more than he's contacting them. Chicago will look to find value in securing depth, but the next difference-making talents will be found in the draft.

So, where do the Bears go with that 11th pick? Three enticing possibilities are emerging.

Running back

The Bears' interest in Broncos running back C.J. Anderson shouldn't be taken as discrediting second-year pro Jeremy Langford. Pace meant it when he said the team believes in Langford and Ka'Deem Carey, which was the reason for moving on from Matt Forte. But coach John Fox like a stable of versatility at running back, and the Bears want one more piece to the puzzle.

With the 11th pick, the Bears could jump to take Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. The team has met with Elliott, and there's a natural connection with running backs coach Stan Drayton, who recruited and coached Elliott with the Buckeyes.

"Stan Drayton, that's my guy," Elliott said at the NFL Combine in February. "He's been part of it ever since I got on campus. He's one of the biggest reasons why I'm (at the NFL Combine) today. He made sure that when I learned the position, I learned it thoroughly. I learned now only what I do, but what the guys around me do. That made me understand the game so much better.

"If I went to Chicago and played for Stan Drayton, I know he's a guy that would stay on my case. I know that he would never let me get content. He'd always push me. That's what he did for me at Ohio State. It would be nice to reunite with him."

Elliott could be considered a steal of value at the No. 11 spot, because his NFL future appears promising. The scenario with which the Bears land Elliott is realistic. You better believe Pace would enjoy teaming Elliott with Langford and Carey in the Bears backfield, though the option of taking running back in the middle or later rounds remains more likely.

Tackle

In signing Massie on Day 1 of free agency, the Bears made a move that ensured better play on their offensive line, not only with an upgrade in the former Cardinals tackle but also with the move of Kyle Long back to his more comfortable home of right guard.

"It's just putting your best five out there," Pace said of the move.

However, the Bears could have an even better five. While Charles Leno played well at left tackle, Pace could potentially replace him with a first-round pick. The two names to watch are Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley and Michigan State's Jack Conklin.

Stanley's projected to go several picks ahead of the Bears, though the inherently random draft could present a scenario that lands Stanley at No. 11. Conklin is likely to be available, and he's a player the Bears have done thorough work in researching.

Tackle remains an interesting possibility for the Bears in the first round.

Defensive line

The dream scenario for Pace and the Bears brass would be if defensive end DeForest Buckner fell to the 11th pick. Here's the path to how that could happen.

A 6-foot-7, 291-pound monster, Buckner's the kind of explosive pass rusher who would instantly transform the Bears defense. He's viewed as a game-changing talent who projects into a Pro Bowl talent. Many NFL scouts are drooling over the possibility of picking Buckner.

The Bears could also examine the prospects of picking Clemon defensive ends Shaq Lawson or Kevin Dodd or perhaps moving to Alabama defensive tackles Jarran Reed or A'Shawn Robinson. Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins could be in the picture as well. However, the name to watch is Buckner.

Thanks to good work in free agency, the Bears are in a comfortable position with the draft a month away.

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