Ah, the NFL draft. There's nothing like seeing Roger Goodell take the stage and an immediate downpour of rain follow. With loads of expected picks (Kyler Murray as #1), surprise trades, and some bizarre moves (Giants, wtf you doing with Daniel Jones?), it raises the question: How'd the Bears do draft day?
A 12-4 2018 record and wielding the mighty Khalil Mack on defense, Chicago came into the draft with no 1st or 2nd round picks. The first round pick we traded to the Raiders was to acquire Mack, and our second round pick was traded to get Anthony Miller to bolster our receivers and help Mitch Trubisky out for his sophomore year. No regrets!
GM Ryan Pace is a pro at finding aces in the hole with later rounds, so it came as no surprise that he was willing to be patient and even trade up to get the guy he wanted to start the 3rd round. Reminder: we've acquired guys like Tarik Cohen and Eddie Jackson in later rounds. Just saying.
Get your red pens out, it's grading time!
DAVID MONTGOMERY, RB, IOWA STATE: A-
It didn't really shock me we went RB first. After trading Jordan Howard to the Eagles and signing Mike Davis from the Seahawks, it would seem inevitable we'd try to get a young set of legs. Montgomery was one of the highest rated running backs in this draft, and the Bears had to trade with the Patriots to get him. By moving up 14 spots, Chicago gave New England their 2019 5th rounder and a 2020 4th rounder, and the Patriots handed over their 2019 6th rounder.
Montgomery is a SOLID running back. Standing at 5'11, weighing in at 219 pounds, Montgomery has the speed and size to replace Howard as the power back. With over 200 carries and over 1200 total yards his junior year, expect #32's versatility and ability to break tackles to bolster this offense!
4TH ROUND: RILEY RIDLEY, WR, GEORGIA: B+
This pick came at a surprise, not because I opposed it, merely because I did not think a player of Ridley's caliber would fall to the Bears so late. A 6'1, 199 pound receiver, Ridley is perfectly suited to man the slot position for the Bears and help on the special teams side of things. My question is the roles of Taylor Gabriel and Allen Robinson in the future: will they be pushed out? The receiver room is a bit crowded, but maybe Pace wants some competition to make sure the group is the finest Chicago can have.
If Ridley can play anyway like his brother, Calvin, I see him being a WR4 or even WR3 for the Bears. He runs crisp, quick routes and has incredible hands. With 44 receptions, 540 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Georgia Bulldogs, Ridley comes in ready to be another ball magnet for Trubisky.
The Bears sure do love Georgia Bulldogs!
https://twitter.com/Javon_Juice/status/1122189891851444224
6TH ROUND: DUKE SHELLY JR, CB, KANSAS ST: A
Now, why do I rank this higher than Ridley? In my opinion, Shelly Jr could be the STEAL of the Bears 2019 draft. After 4 years of college ball, Shelly Jr had 8 total interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, and 153 solo tackles. 4 seasons of college ball and no injuries! He also led the Big-12 as well with pass breakups in 2017. He's got a smaller build of 5'9, 173 pounds, but he's scrappy and can play the slot or nickel. Pace choose Shelly Jr most likely for his durability, but with a lot of the Bears cornerbacks on long deals and expiring ages, youth is important. Shelly Jr was also Pro Football Focus's 6th best ranked DB in the draft! Shelly Jr also brings some special teams experience in, specifically returning the ball.
ROUND 7: KERRITH WHYTE, RB, FAU: B
Hardly ever do I really regard 7th round picks, but another running back took me a bit by surprise. White has a good size, weighing in at 200 pounds, and a height of 5'10. He's a quick back who didn't start for FAU, but his moments on the field and special teams expertise made him draft worthy. Perhaps he will fill in the role of RB4, as Nagy did keep 4 running backs active last season.
7TH ROUND: STEPHEN DENMARK, CB, VALDOSTA ST: B+
The Bears had two 7th rounders, and finished things up with another defensive player. Most likely a special teams guy, Denmark does have good size and had a solid 4 year career at Valdosta St. He's 6'2 and over 200 pounds. I could see him potentially being switched around between safety and corner, but he did have 8 interceptions as a starter in college, and seemed to be a hard hitting, hard working player the Bears could utilize.
In addition to these picks, 21 UDFA's signed with the Bears. Expect a lot more to make the roster, as only one did last season (Kevin Toliver). It would save the team some money on cap space, and bring in fresh youth to help keep the team growing and avoid decline.
With only 5 picks, I give the Bears an A- overall. Pace was able to address some needs and depth issues with the draft, take a risk to bring in a promising running back, add some new faces to the defense, and get Trubisky more weapons. I would've liked to seen a safety or tight end drafted, but the Bears did sign both positions from their undrafted group, including Utah State tight end Dax Raymond, who may make the active roster.
Can it be football season already???
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