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The Youth Movement

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates with Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96), Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) after he sacked Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Change is upon us on the lake front, and the Chicago Bears are the motive behind it.

Amos, Goldman, Callahan, Grasu, Langford, Anderson, Lee.

General Manager Ryan Pace’s first draft looks like it could turn out to be a home run. Each of the names listed above are rookies that made a contribution on Sunday to the Chicago Bears victory, and are going to be the core of this Bears franchise moving into the future.

Looking like a steal as a fifth round selection, Adrian Amos is gaining defensive rookie of the year consideration as he has been the most consistent player in the Bears defensive backfield.

Second round selection, Eddie Goldman, is performing at a higher level each and every week. In 11 total games the rookie has recorded 17 tackles, and 2.5 sacks while holding down the nose tackle position. To put that into perspective, Hloti Ngata of the Detroit Lions has the same exact amount of total tackles while also posting 1.5 less sacks this year.

Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) hauls in a 37 yard pass against Chicago Bears cornerback Bryce Callahan (37) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Bears won the game 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Callahan looks like quite the find as an undrafted free agent. Callahan has come in and played the slot cornerback position well. His slender build was a worry for most coming into the league, but he is showing that he is made to play against the slot.

Grasu has returned from his injury, and has been making strides. Yes, he is too small as of right now. Yes, he will have to make that a priority of his for this off-season. However, his work ethic is admirable, and he does seem to have the athletic ability to fit in with the new age of the NFL.

For now, Grasu needs development, but seems like he is well on his way to being an adequate piece to the Bears offensive line. He also allows Matt Slauson to move back to his true position of left guard, where Slauson has been playing at a Pro Bowl level as of late.

Langford played 30 total snaps (45%), while veteran Matt Forte played in 37 total snaps (55%). Through the season, Langford has 7 total touchdowns, and has put up over 500 yards of total offense.

Langford did have a few key drops during this past Thursday’s game, but overall the fourth round selection looks as if he can lock down the tailback position for the Bears in the coming years.

Jonathan Anderson was an undrafted rookie from TCU. Anderson started his collegiate career at safety before moving to linebacker. He left the game early against Green bay, but seems as if he can be a valuable depth piece for the franchise.

Khari Lee may be more well known for his impression of Texans Head Coach Bill O’Brien than for his time as a Bear, but he is making progress. The Bears traded a sixth round pick for the rookie from Bowie State.

Coming out of college, Lee, was regarded as an able blocker and an above average receiver for the tight end position. Consistently displaying a knack for catching the ball away from his body, Lee has promise. However, Lee only played 14 total snaps on Thursday with starter Martellus Bennett out.

Lee will have to show much more progress in the coming months to prove to Bears fans that he was worth a sixth round draft pick. He has the frame, traits and athleticism to make a name for himself in this league.

These rookies are all developing, growing, and learning the ins and outs of the league. However, the verdict is still out on if these rookies are the missing pieces to the puzzle.

Keep a look out for all of these rookies as they try to solidify their roster spot for next year in the coming weeks.

Next: Old Friends, New Beginnings