GM Ryan Pace on the Chicago Bears and the 2016 NFL Draft

Earlier today Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace met the media for a little pre-draft chat. He talked about 2016 NFL Draft and also about some of his current players.

Pace said that their draft board is set and that they are willing to listen to any and all offers for #11 in the draft in a trade back scenario. If Pace is looking to trade up, it's being reported that the Cleveland Browns at 8th overall is looking for a trade partner. Pace was vague when discussing who they'll target at 11, "We have more than 11 names."

He again alluded to his best player available policy saying that if the player is "special enough" they'd draft him even if it's at a position of strength.

On paper the starting offensive line is set, and Pace talked about the offseason additions, "Our goal is to keep creating competition." The one player that the fans seem split on is left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and Pace remarked that right now his competition is Nick Becton.

Yesterday we brought you the report of Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot saying he believed the Bears were in love with him and Pace addressed that.

Ryan Pace on Ezekiel Elliott saying #Bears love him: "It didn't surprise me because of Stan Drayton."

— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) April 27, 2016

Drayton, current Bears running back coach, was Ohio State's RB coach while Elliot was there.

Here are a few other quick hitting tweets from the Pace presser. To check it out in it's entirety, you can visit chicagobears.com.

GM Ryan Pace says #Bears are continuing to negotiate with WR Alshon Jeffery on long-term deal.

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 27, 2016

Jeffery isn't attending the start of Chicago's offseaosn workouts, which Pace was notified of, but he does wish he was there with his team.

Ryan Pace said of drafting a running back high: "He better have special traits." #Bears

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) April 27, 2016

#Bears GM Ryan Pace: "It's a good class of quarterbacks and they're all unique."

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 27, 2016

#Bears' board wasn't thrown off by big trades for top QBs at 1 and 2. GM Ryan Pace said they expected top QBs to be off the board.

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) April 27, 2016

Ryan Pace: "We have a lot of needs. I have a lot of confidence in our scouts. Having nine picks in the draft, it's just more swings." #Bears

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) April 27, 2016

Ryan Pace says it's important to remember that while #Bears play 3-4 base defense, they're in nickel 60% of the time, meaning a 4 man front.

— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) April 27, 2016

Are you guys ready for the Draft!?!