Staff Picks: Handing out Chicago Bears Draft Grades

Oct 5, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kyle Fuller (17) reacts after an interception as cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) and North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Allen Champagne (91) look on. The Hokies defeated the Tar Heels 27-17 at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Elijah Zelonky (B)

I think all of Emery’s picks were solid with the possible exception of David Fales. He covered the team’s basic needs. While I agree with Boomer that having players who won’t start this season but rather next season is a good idea, I still would like to have one player who will immediately step in and shine. Number 1 overall pick Kyle Fuller clearly has what it takes to become at least a solid corner in the league eventually. I think the two defensive tackles have high upsides. Drafting punter Pat O’Donnell, although unconventional, was not a bad idea in my opinion. Having a great punter is a luxury. Overall, nothing really stood out for the Bears draft, but over time I think all these players will be at least decent contributors.

Cameron Curtis (C+)

Overall, I think the Bears’ draft was solid but not great.  I liked most of the players they picked throughout  the pre-draft process, but I don’t think the Bears got the game changer they so desperately needed on the defensive side of the ball.  There were also several positions I feel like they should’ve addressed: kick returner (Dri Archer would’ve been nice) and a second tight end to name a couple.  I was also disappointed, like many others, that they chose to draft a punter.  All I have to say there is that he’d better be really good, because mediocre won’t cut it.

Michael Praser (B)

I was a little upset when the Bears passed on Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round, and I was even more upset when the Green Bay Packers drafted him. But then I started looking at Kyle Fuller and realized that Emery made the right move. We need a big corner who can match up against tight ends, especially now that the Lions took Eric Ebron in the first round of the draft. Then Emery drafted not one, but two defensive tackles in the next two rounds. That made me very happy, especially after picking up big boy Ego Ferguson. The Bears needed a run stuffer in the middle, and he should be stuffing some runs. Emery drafted for the specific needs of the Bears and we will probably be looking back at this draft as the one that fixed the defense for years to come. I understand why he drafted a punter, but he still drafted a punter. Who drafts a punter? Thats the main reason I give the Bears a B. But when you ahve a chance, make sure you look up Pat O’Donnell. He is a special kind of punter. Let just say he doesn’t worry about getting hurt when he tackles a punt returner.