ESPN analyst Todd McShay chose the Bears' selection of Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd at No. 9 as the third best pick in the first round.
"Knowing the draft is one thing; manipulating it to your advantage is another," McShay wrote. "Bears GM Ryan Pace and director of college scouting Joe Douglas did a masterful job of trading up to No. 9, knowing that Floyd would be off the board by the time they selected at 11. Floyd is the perfect fit for what the Bears need—a 3-4 OLB with versatility.
"Quick side note on this: The Bears trading up put the Giants in a really tough spot. Based on our information, the two guys they were targeting at No. 10—Floyd and [Michigan State tackle Jack] Conklin—were both swept out from under their feet with two teams trading up ahead of them."
The only two picks that McShay thought were better were running back Ezekiel Elliott by the Cowboys at No. 4 and Conklin by the Titans at No. 8.
