The Chicago Bears are in the market for a cornerback in the NFL Draft. In fact, they could draft one as early as the first round, especially if Kyle Fuller departs for greener pastures in free agency.

The top corner in this year’s draft class is Ohio State’s Denzel Ward, and according to The Score’s Chris Emma, the Bears did their homework on him at the NFL Combine.

Ward wowed scouts in attendance with his workout Monday.

Ward was an All-American defender in 2017 after registering 37 tackles, two interceptions and 15 pass breakups. His workout checked all the boxes athletically, and his 5-10, 191-pound frame is big enough to challenge the NFL’s top receivers.

The Bears need the kind of athletic ability Ward would bring to the secondary. Even if Fuller re-signs, adding a player like Ward would give Chicago two high-end cover corners that, in turn, affords the pass rush more time to get to the quarterback.

Ryan Pace has to be happy with how many of the top prospects performed this week in Indianapolis. Whether it’s Tremaine Edmunds, Roquan Smith, Quenton Nelson or Denzel Ward, the Bears seem assured of drafting a quality football player in the first round.

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