Chicago Bears: 3 players selected in first round of 2017 re-draft

Tarik Cohen – Indianapolis Colts (15)

Wow. I was a little shocked to see Tarik Cohen this high up on the draft list. The player that likes to run sideline to sideline lately would not be in my top 15 from 2017. That said, I do think he would find his way into the first round. Cohen went to the Colts with the 15th overall pick.

Cohen had a solid rookie season. He scored three touchdowns (one rushing and two receiving). He also caught 53 of 71 targets for 353 yards. This was while only playing on 36 percent of the offensive snaps. His 2018 campaign was even better. Despite an issue holding onto the football, Cohen was able to up his touchdown total to eight (three rushing and five receiving). He caught 71 balls on 91 targets for 725 yards. This is likely why he found his way into the first round.

Cohen’s punt return skills are another reason he propels up the draft boards. Over three seasons he has just shy of 1,000 punt return yards and one return for a touchdown. Cohen is no Devin Hester, but he is no slouch in the return game either. He gave up his kick return duties to Cordarelle Patterson in 2018, but we cannot forget his 35-yard kick return that helped set up the double-doink field goal attempt in the playoff loss to the Eagles.

Looking at names being drafted after Cohen, guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kenny Golladay would be higher on my draft board. Surprised Cohen got the nod over them. I am thinking some hometown bias may be at work here.