Chicago Bears common supervisor Ryan Poles checked off his draft weekend to-do record, trying to enhance a last-place roster and speed up the group’s return towards playoff rivalry.
Now that Poles and the Bears have navigated the weekend, we give you a complete take a look at every of the gamers the group chosen.
Catch up on our draft protection
Round 1, No. 10: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Height, weight: 6-5, 333
Why the Bears drafted him
Wright is a large man who is difficult to maneuver. And whereas he has expertise taking part in on each side of the offensive line, he excelled final season at proper sort out, the place he will be plugged in as an instantaneous starter for the Bears. Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., who was chosen No. 3 by the Houston Texans, singled out Wright because the opponent he had probably the most problem in opposition to final season. In 2021, Wright additionally had an attention grabbing efficiency in opposition to Georgia’s Travon Walker, who was the highest choose within the 2022 draft. Wright’s upside is simple and the flashes on his school tape are troublesome to disregard.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Wright was the second offensive sort out chosen Thursday, so it’s not as if he had a grueling wait to listen to his title referred to as. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. was the primary offensive lineman off the board, picked at No. 6 by the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears, after buying and selling down one spot and passing on Georgia defensive sort out Jalen Carter, chosen Wright over fellow offensive tackles Peter Skoronski of Northwestern — who went No. 11 to the Tennessee Titans — and Broderick Jones of Georgia.
In his personal phrases
“As far as my talent and what I can do, I knew I could go this high. But it just took the right team to see that, the right coaches who know what they’re looking at and they know what I can be. I haven’t even reached my (potential). I’m just scratching the surface of what I can be. I think they know that. And I know that. It’s going to be fun.”
Analyst’s take
“He’s a mauler. He started 42 games at Tennessee. Go back and watch any of these games. Watch him against Travon Walker at left tackle (in 2021). Watch him at right tackle this year against Will Anderson. Watch him against the elite players in college football and watch him go eliminate them and shut them out. Then you just watch how he moves bodies. His power is real. His base is good. Everybody needs to be coached in this business. It’s a different game in the NFL than it is in college. But I think there’s an awful lot to like about his size, about his movement, about his power, about his mentality, about his experience.” — Brian Baldinger, Fox Sports, NFL Network and Audacy
You ought to know
In January, Wright had a powerful week on the Senior Bowl taking part in for the American group that maybe not coincidentally was coached by Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. “It means a lot to know I already have a relationship a little bit with that guy,” Wright mentioned.
Round 2, No. 53: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
Height, weight: 6-6, 310
Why the Bears drafted him
The group entered the draft with enormous wants on the defensive position, and after passing on Georgia’s Jalen Carter Thursday evening, it loomed as an space the Bears needed to assault on Day 2. Dexter turned a five-star recruit out of Lake Wales, Fla., High School regardless of ready till his junior 12 months to start taking part in. Dexter received a ton of taking part in time for the Gators over the previous two seasons, totaling 106 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 4½ sacks and an interception. He ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.88 seconds on the scouting mix and perhaps extra essential was at 7.5 seconds within the three-cone drill, fifth amongst all defensive tackles.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Dexter has an ideal body and possibly would have had his title referred to as sooner if there have been extra disruptive and explosive play on tape. That mentioned, he was the sixth defensive sort out chosen — 4 spots after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Wisconsin’s Keanu Benton — and the idea is Dexter’s finest soccer is all forward of him.
In his personal phrases
”I can convey versatility, Wherever my place could also be, I’m going to contribute that method. I’m trying to compete, trying to get higher. You can win some one-on-ones (because the three-technique) and I like being on an island, simply you and that guard. As properly because the zero, the shade, I’m fairly snug with all of them.”
You ought to know
The Bears doubled down on defensive tackles, choosing South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens at No. 64 to begin Round 3, so versatility for each gamers will result in extra taking part in time. The Bears chosen Dexter with the choose they acquired from the Baltimore Ravens within the Roquan Smith commerce. So now they’ve Tremaine Edmunds taking part in on an $18 million a 12 months deal — $2 million lower than Smith averages in Baltimore — and Dexter. It would make sense that the Bears used the choose they received for Smith on a defensive linemen as a result of for Edmunds to be efficient, the group must be considerably higher up entrance.
Round 2, No. 56: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Height, weight: 6-0, 198
Why the Bears drafted him
The Bears traded a fifth-round choose (No. 136) to the Jacksonville Jaguars to maneuver up 5 spots from No. 61 to draft Stevenson, who had three interceptions, 14 passes defended and 4 tackles for a loss in his last two seasons at Miami. He additionally performed two years at Georgia, with 10 passes defended there. Stevenson is a giant, bodily cornerback who ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.45 seconds on the NFL mix. The ESPN draft broadcast labeled him “super, super, super aggressive.” Stevenson joins a younger Bears cornerbacks unit that features Jaylon Johnson and 2022 second-round choose Kyler Gordon. Poles mentioned Stevenson ideally is an outdoor nook but in addition has the flexibility to maneuver inside.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler had Stevenson as his Eleventh-ranked cornerback, noting that Stevenson must be extra disciplined in protection and in opposition to the run. Stevenson admitted his frustration along with his taking part in state of affairs at Georgia led him to switch.
In his personal phrases
“For people who don’t know me … you’re going to get a dawg player that’s coming in with his head high, holding himself to his integrity, his dedication and his passion to the game. You’re getting an all-out baller who is coming in ready to make an impact from Day 1.”
You ought to know
Stevenson mentioned he tries to mannequin his recreation after veteran Patrick Peterson. “I love how he’s a big corner,” Stevenson mentioned. “He’s able to get in and out of his breaks. He’s able to do athletic things. He was able to return and just showcase his athleticism.”
From the entrance workplace
“Big, physical corner,” Poles mentioned. “Tackles. Will strike you. Good ball skills. What stands out about him in coverage, he has a ton of poise. Really stays in control through all of his movements and especially when the ball’s in the air. So we’re excited about him.”
Round 3, No. 64: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
Height, weight: 6-4, 291
Why the Bears drafted him
Pickens was a four-year contributor at South Carolina and was named the group MVP final season. He has proven the power to be disruptive in opposition to each the run and cross. At his finest, Pickens is athletic along with his get-off and has the quickness to excel on the subsequent degree. He can beat defenders inside or outdoors and has demonstrated capacity to penetrate. Athletically, the transition to the NFL shouldn’t be troublesome.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Like Dexter, Pickens is one other prospect within the trenches who would require growth and correct teaching to convey probably the most out of himself. Some expertise evaluators wish to see him show a extra constant capacity to detach from blocks whereas studying to play with higher pad degree.
In his personal phrases
“My physicality. I’m going to bring all that. I know I show it sometimes, but I can even be more consistent and that’s one thing I’m practicing on now, to be more consistent and becoming a guy they can count on more than just, ‘OK. He showed flashes.’ I’m gonna be more accountable holding myself to a higher standard than I did ever when I was in college.”
Analyst’s take
“He looks the part. Not only is he 6-4, 291. But he has long arms — superlong arms. He’s smart, a team leader. You talk about the explosiveness to get into that backfield and do some damage, he did it. He’s athletic enough. He chased down ball carriers and with lateral pursuit he can get after it. The pass rush potential is definitely there.” — Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
From the entrance workplace
Poles sees each Pickens and Dexter as hybrid defensive tackles, with each displaying the flexibility to play the nostril or at 3-technique. With Pickens providing a self-critical evaluation and acknowledging his efforts to change into extra constant, Poles sees a window of alternative for that to happen.
“It’s technical work, hand usage, the ability to lock out even better. He has 34-inch arms. So once he’s able to clean that up, he’ll be able to keep his frame clean and get off blocks even better. The one cool thing — and we kind of picked it up at the combine interviewing him — is his ability to self-assess and know what his strengths and weaknesses are. That’s important to us because he can really attack his weaknesses.”
Round 4, No. 115: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Height, weight: 6-0, 219
Why the Bears drafted him
The backup to No. 8 choose Bijan Robinson, Johnson had 392 carries for two,190 yards and 23 touchdowns and 56 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns over 4 seasons at Texas. He’s a hard-nosed operating again who has the power to interrupt tackles and a proud cross protector and powerful particular groups participant. Bears scout John Syty raved about Johnson’s management and make-up, saying he’s “wired differently.” Johnson is a transformed highschool quarterback with excessive intelligence — and decrease mileage as a result of he moved to operating again late in his profession.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
The Bears have already got two operating backs in Khalil Herbert and 2023 free-agent addition D’Onta Foreman, however they had been enticed sufficient by Johnson so as to add him to the room. He was primarily a backup at Texas and was The Athletic’s seventh-ranked operating again.
In his personal phrases
“I never really viewed myself as like a backup. Regardless of who was getting the carries, I tried to prepare myself as if I was the starter. I didn’t really let the perspective of me being a backup have an effect on me. Just kind of take it day to day and try to increase my role on the team, whether that was on special teams behind Bijan or at running back. I kind of flipped my perspective, and I think it paid off.”
Scout’s take
“You walk into the building and you go into the University of Texas and you know they’ve got Bijan. His name is plastered everywhere. You read it in the headlines all summer long. But you walk into that building, and they’re talking about this kid (Johnson). Before I even go out to practice and see the kid, you walk in and from the liaison to the strength coach to the trainer, across the board, everyone is singing the same message: ‘This is the hardest-working kid in the building.’ And then you walk out to practice and you physically see it. You see how the kid’s built. You see how he goes through his drills and goes about his day. And then I had the opportunity to go watch him play Alabama, and then I saw him play versus Oklahoma as well, and everything just aligns, every exposure you have with this kid. And then you get him at the combine, you get him at the Senior Bowl, you got him at pro day, every single time, it’s all the same.” — Syty
Analyst’s take
“What I love about him is his intangibles aren’t just good. They’re phenomenal. That’s what (Texas coach Steve Sarkisian) said to me: ‘Bijan is a star, a great guy, love him. He does all of the things right. Roschon is our leader.’ That says a lot.” — Todd McShay, ESPN
You ought to know
Johnson mentioned the bodily transition from quarterback to operating again was tougher than the psychological half. He switched positions when he received to Texas.
“Mentally, it wasn’t really that big of a challenge because as a quarterback, you’re having to know pretty much all 11 guys and their responsibilities,” Johnson mentioned. “It simplified a variety of issues. It made it rather a lot simpler for me to only go on the market and be capable to play with my thoughts however practice my physique for sure issues.
“Just little minute details within the game, whether that’s running with pad level or using your body as a weapon or making certain cuts fluently or not tensing up before contact. So, yeah, it definitely helped just getting more reps at it.”
Round 4, No. 133: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Height, weight: 5-10, 177
Why the Bears drafted him
Scott can actually transfer as he ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.44 seconds on the mix, and his vertical leap was 39½ inches. The Bears can lean into manufacturing from Scott, too, as he was a two-year starter for the Bearcats, main them with 54 catches for 899 yards (16.6 common) and 9 touchdowns. Here’s what actually jumps out: 10 of his 14 profession touchdowns had been for 30 or extra yards, so he has massive play written throughout him. The Bears struggled to get manufacturing out of speedy third-round choose Velus Jones Jr. a 12 months in the past — and this seems to be like a draft choose that acknowledges as a lot.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Some thought Scott could possibly be drafted within the again half of Round 2 or Round 3, however he remained on the board into Day 3. That’s most likely partly as a consequence of a glut of equally expert receivers — smaller guys who run properly. If Scott is extra involved about alternatives for enjoying time, he’s most likely in the correct spot as a result of if he performs properly, the Bears will discover methods to make use of him.
In his personal phrases
“I (heard) quite a bit in this process of me being a raw receiver. You know, basically me being someone who is not necessarily the most technical but someone who is still learning the position. That’s a positive as well as knowing that I still have a lot to learn to improve. Actually as far as my abilities and how high they go? The sky’s the limit. It’s cliche but it really is.”
You ought to know
Scott, nonetheless comparatively new to extensive receiver, was an all-state operating again at Norton High School in Barberton, Ohio. That’s why it’s notable scout Ryan Cavanaugh mentioned Scott is a bit more refined as a route runner than the group anticipated. That background as a operating again is a plus, too, when you consider yards after catch, however the Bears are taking a look at Scott to be a vertical menace.
Scout’s take
“Love his speed. He can really take the top off. Justin (Fields) is going to like throwing to him deep. He does that well. He surprises us with route running and quickness and just everything about him. He’s a tough kid. He’s tough at the catch point. He’s really good with the deep ball, getting open deep as well as fighting for the ball deep. Good at tracking it. Good hands downfield. Just an awesome kid.” — Cavanaugh
Round 5, No. 148: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Height, weight: 6-1, 246
Why the Bears drafted him
Scout Reese Hicks mentioned Sewell is an instinctual participant who runs properly for his dimension, is an effective tackler and is bodily. He added Sewell has good ball abilities in protection and might blitz. “He’s got a good arsenal, rushes hard to the ball, good close,” Hicks mentioned. Sewell, the youthful brother of Detroit Lions offensive sort out Penei Sewell, performed three seasons at Oregon, totaling 215 tackles, 20½ tackles for a loss, 7½ sacks, two interceptions, 11 passes defended and three compelled fumbles. He was second-team All-Pac 12 in 2022. Hicks mentioned Sewell didn’t play a lot on particular groups in school however has the talent set to take action.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
The Bears are stocked with linebackers after they signed free brokers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards to go together with second-year participant Jack Sanborn. Sewell was The Athletic’s Twelfth-ranked linebacker, and Brugler was among the many analysts to query his velocity, vary and reactionary quickness.
In his personal phrases
“A person who gives it his all. No matter what the situation is, I’ll do everything I possibly can to make the situation better.” — Sewell on the kind of participant the Bears are getting
Scout’s take
“He’s an instinctual player, he’s smart, he gets ball. He’s been around it a long time. His dad is a coach. He has that background, and it came naturally for him. At Oregon, he had some responsibilities calling the defense as well. I think when he gets settled here, he has that (functional intelligence) that we look for.” — Hicks
You ought to know
Sewell mentioned he and his brother Penei are pumped to be NFC North rivals. Penei was the Lions’ first-round choose (No. 7) in 2021 and has began 33 video games for them.
“I told him to line it up right now,” Noah mentioned. “It’s going to be one heck of a matchup. We both compete. We’re always competitive, and I’m going to make sure I win a couple of reps.”
Noah is the youngest of 4 football-playing brothers. The different two are additionally linebackers: Nephi, who performs for the New Orleans Saints, and Gabriel.
“I learned a lot from my brothers, mentality-wise, on the field,” Noah mentioned. “They just helped me grow as a player and as a human being.”
Round 5, No. 165: Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
Height, weight: 6-1, 204
Why the Bears drafted him
Even after the addition of Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson within the second spherical Friday, the Bears have a scarcity of cornerbacks. Smith offers them one other good-sized cowl man who can actually transfer. He was timed within the 40-yard sprint at 4.41 seconds and had a formidable 4.3 within the brief shuttle. Smith is coming off his finest season in his fifth 12 months within the Gophers program. He had an atypical school expertise as he performed in 11 video games (9 begins) as a freshman in 2018. Smith was named the group’s most excellent defensive freshman and led the protection with eight cross breakups. His taking part in time dwindled slightly the subsequent three years due to nagging accidents and inconsistency earlier than he bounced again to begin 13 video games final fall.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Smith lacked a ton of on-the-ball manufacturing. In 48 school video games, he had 4 interceptions and 20 cross deflections. As a fifth-year senior, some groups most likely had been searching for youthful gamers. But the Bears really feel like he’s nonetheless ascending.
In his personal phrases
“I would say as a player I bring physicality. I’m a physical corner. I’m going to set the tone. I’m going to do my job and I’m going to be disciplined. Off the field, I’m just a mature young man. I’m very disciplined on and off the field. You’re getting a high-character guy.”
You ought to know
When Smith’s taking part in time took successful after his freshman 12 months, one factor he did was usually ask coach P.J. Fleck what he wanted to do to enhance. The dimension and velocity mixture ought to make him a sexy choice for particular groups coordinator Richard Hightower. Some scouts puzzled if Smith may make the transition to security. Considering positional worth, the Bears nearly certainly will wish to use him at cornerback to begin.
From the entrance workplace
“Everybody is looking ideally for big, long and fast,” co-director of participant personnel Trey Koziol mentioned when requested concerning the measurables for Smith and Stevenson being related. “Because when you’ve got somebody with those physical skill sets, they don’t have to be perfect and they can still be right. The speed, the length, all that stuff is critical in the sense that they can run downfield with speed wide receivers, they can come up and support the run, they can get their hands on guys at the line of scrimmage. There’s a lot you can do with those guys to take advantage of some mismatches, too, which is great. That’s been a focus of us to get more athletic, to get bigger on both sides of the ball. I think we were able to accomplish that throughout these first three days so far.”
Round 7, No. 218: Travis Bell, DT, Kennesaw State
Height, weight: 6-0, 310
Why the Bears drafted him
Bell is one other hybrid defensive lineman able to taking part in nostril sort out or three-technique. He prides himself on his athleticism, physicality and talent to penetrate however is proudest of his motor, describing himself as “self-driven” and “nasty” with “a work ethic out the roof.”
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Bell was a final-round flier by the Bears, a comparatively obscure prospect who wasn’t invited to the scouting mix and didn’t play in any showcase video games this offseason. He was readying for the likelihood that he would possibly go undrafted and be compelled to combat for an opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
In his personal phrases
“When I got that call, my heart dropped, man. I didn’t do nothing but start crying. I had to clean my face to talk to you guys (over Zoom). It was an exciting moment. … I was surprised. Things were starting to look ugly toward the end. I was really worried about getting a call after the draft, honestly. Once I got that call (from the Bears), I was excited, man. I couldn’t hold it back.”
You ought to know
Bell is the primary Kennesaw State participant ever to be drafted. (The program began in 2015 and is transitioning from FCS to FBS.) “It’s everything you can ask for for a guy like me,” Bell mentioned. “That was most definitely part of my goal. But I really just wanted the opportunity however it came.”
From the entrance workplace
Poles was grinning ear-to-ear Saturday evening when he began speaking about Bell as a part of his post-draft recap. The GM referred to as Bell “one of my favorite human beings.”
“He is a special person,” Poles added. “I didn’t want him to leave after his top-30 visit and he didn’t want to leave either. There’s something different about this guy. He is passionate about the game.” Bell graduated in December 2021 with a level in sports activities administration and was balancing soccer with a job to assist assist his household. “There’s just something about him, something special about the human being and the energy he has,” Poles mentioned.
Round 7, No. 258: Kendall Williamson, S, Stanford
Height, weight: 6-0, 203
Why the Bears drafted him
Williamson will get an opportunity to win a roster spot as a depth piece within the secondary. He’s a troublesome and prepared tackler who has proven power in run assist. He has good instincts and performs with the depth Bears coach Matt Eberflus likes.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Williamson wants growth and must present an elevated capacity to make performs in protection on the subsequent degree. He has acknowledged his want to enhance his imaginative and prescient and understanding of angles.
In his personal phrases
“I am going to show that I can come in and be a player who can make an impact in whatever way possible immediately. That’s my main goal coming in.”
You ought to know
Williamson was recruited as a cornerback out of Brookwood High School in Georgia however made a clean transition to security. “I’ve always been an intellectual type of player,” he mentioned. “So I picked up the playbook fast. And my coaches felt like I could be used better at safety.” Williamson was an Academic All-American at Stanford and received the Tommy Vardell Award for excellence in each teachers and athletics.
From the entrance workplace
Poles is hoping Williamson can compete for a number of roles. “He brings size, speed and range at the safety position. He’s going to be really good on special teams as well.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com
