After Ryan Pace’s 2017 draft class already features three pro-bowlers/alternates, it’s time to look at how 2018’s draft class matches expectations.
The 2018 season ended in disappointment but was a refreshing take on previous seasons’ despair.
After years of finishing last in the NFC North, with an underwhelming roster and a toxic culture, a change was needed. In his fourth year as general manager, Ryan Pace has taken a consistently dysfunctional organization and turned them to what looks like a consistent contender.
Part of this significant turnaround has to be of the productive pickups in free agency. This year, Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Trey Burton, and even Aaron Lynch signed this offseason and have added value. Prince Amukamara was brought in last season and has been a solid second cornerback. Akiem Hicks may have been the most impactful FA signing in recent years.
The other side of the turnaround, of course, comes in the form of the NFL draft. Ryan Pace has proven to be an excellent talent evaluator, especially in the latter rounds. Last season and the current one, Chicago has benefited from the additions of Mitch Trubisky, Eddie Jackson, and Tarik Cohen. All three of those were voted into the Pro Bowl or as an alternate. 2018’s class appears to have some similar talent, let’s rank them: