Staff Picks: Handing out Chicago Bears Draft Grades

Oct 12, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive tackle Ego Ferguson (9) and defensive tackle

(90) celebrate a defensive play against the Florida Gators during the second quarter of their game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Schultz (C)

The Bears went very vanilla in the first round with Fuller which after two years of mixed results in the first round with unconventional picks was expected. Emery’s reach with Ego Ferguson in the 2nd pick was even more noticeable when he picked Sutton with their third pick.  Sure they could become the run stuffer and pass rushing combo for a decade or they could be a bust which scares me about these two picks. The rest of the draft seemed like a reach until we got to the all world punter so it looks like a very average draft to me. Of course you can’t judge a draft until they have pads on so I guess the real grade should be given this August.

Michael Curcio (B-)

 It is almost impossible to grade a draft this quickly, but it is kind of fun so I’ll do it anyway. First off, I’ve never been an advocate of drafting a punter (and no, Ray Guy should NOT be in the HOF). I’ve been hearing from many people that “the Bears covered their needs.” I take that with a grain of salt as I don’t automatically anoint a player as filling a need just because he plays a position that was needed. In short, just because we have more bodies at that position, doesn’t mean we got better. On the positive side, the Bears definitely got deeper on the defensive side of the ball. 4th round safety selection, Brock Vereen, is maybe their best value pick and may be your starting free safety by training camp’s end. First round pick Kyle Fuller, along with Vereen, do give the Bears some versatility in the defensive backfield, as both have experience at a few positions. The rotation at DT also got a bit of a bump and now the Bears don’t have to worry as much about the health of Stephen Paea – they have equally capable replacements in line. On the flipside, there does not appear to be a impact, pro-bowl type player, in this group. I believe that Phil Emery did not get his first 4-5 choices at DT and may have settled with DT Ego Ferguson to fill the void. The 2 biggest areas of need coming into this draft were safety and defensive tackle. The Bears added depth to these groups, but did they add quality starters? Only time will tell….until then…In Phil We Trust!

John Vassar (A)

The Bears did exactly what the intended to do and is solidify the defensive backfield and line.  All four players selected in the first four rounds will play if not start.  The key refrain from Emery has been versatility and each one provides that.  My favorite was Ego Ferguson, that was a huge pick for the future. Many felt it was a reach, but several scouts had him as a second round pick.  David Fales is another nice selection, he fits the parameters that Trestman laid out and should develop into a nice backup for the next four years.  The coolest pick was O’Donnell, the Punter. Not so much that is a good one, but that he out benched Clowney at the Combine! Big and fast and had six tackles and one forced fumble after he kicked the ball. At 6’4” and 235 we just added another special teamer that will hit someone. What do YOU think?  What’s your grade on the Bears draft.  Vote in our poll and post your comments below.

BEAR DOWN!!!