Chicago Bears Complete 2013 NFL Draft Grades
Round 6
Dec 3, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Cornelius Washington (83) reacts after a sack during the first half of the 2011 SEC championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Cornelius Washington, DE, Georgia
Need: The Bears are pretty well set with their top 3 DE’s but need some depth and rotation guys.
Value: Washington is an athletic freak whose production never quite matched up. He moved around in college a bit, going between DE and rush linebacker. He could provide instant help as a situational pass rusher and could be a steal if he’s able to settle into one position.
Passed On: It’s tough to say who the Bears passed on this late in the draft, but at this point in the draft, to have continued to neglect other needs like a cornerback and quarterback is tough not to notice. A nice pickup would have been Miami (OH) QB Zac Dysert
Grade: C
Round 7
Sept. 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Marquess Wilson (86) makes a catch against the is Oregon Ducks during the second half at CenturyLink Field. The Ducks would go onto win the game by a final score of 51-26. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
Need: The Bears’ wide receiver position has evolved quite a bit under Phil Emery. It’s gone from an area of desperate need to a solid position. With Johnny Knox forced to retire after a scary spinal injury in 2011, the Bears are in the market for a stretch the field WR.
Value: Wilson was very productive, but ended his college career early after he walked out on his team. He’s a big, physical WR who could be a steal if he can get past his off-the-field issues. Any 7th rounder who can make a final 53-man roster offers great value.
Passed On: A safety! The Bears had drafted a safety in eight straight drafts heading into this draft.
Grade: B
OVERALL GRADE: C
The Bears get an overall C grade because the earlier rounds are weighted more heavily than later rounds. Kyle Long was a bit of a reach even if he turns into a great player because I believe he would have been available if the Bears had traded down with the Falcons and drafted at #30. Even if the Long hadn’t been on the board, they would have gotten a player they needed like Alec Ogletree.
Phil Emery took plenty of risks, taking players that had issues on and off the field. At least he didn’t draft a player who say out the season with an injury like Brandon Hardin in 2012. High risks could lead to high rewards but for now, it leads to a C grade.
What grade do you give the Bears on the draft? Vote in our poll and back up your grade with your comments.