Chicago Bears basic supervisor Ryan Poles has accomplished his first draft class — and it’s a lot greater than initially deliberate.
After drafting two defensive backs and a large receiver within the second spherical Friday, Poles engineered 4 trades Saturday to extend his Day 3 picks from three to eight.
The Bears ended the weekend with 11 newly drafted gamers, together with 4 offensive linemen, an edge rusher, a operating again, a security and a punter.
Here’s a have a look at every of their new gamers.
No. 39, second spherical: Kyler Gordon, cornerback, Washington
Height, weight: 6-0, 200
Why the Bears picked him
The Bears had a significant want for a starter at cornerback reverse Jaylon Johnson and somebody to play nickel, and now they’ve a dynamic athlete as an choice for both function.
Gordon had two interceptions and 9 passes defended in 12 video games in 2021, being named a first-team All-Pac 12 participant. He completed his profession with 14 passes defended, 98 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two pressured fumbles. Gordon’s teammate, cornerback Trent McDuffie, was picked twenty first within the first spherical by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Analysts on the ESPN broadcast referred to as him a tricky, hard-nosed participant with good ending abilities who will slot in nicely with coach Matt Eberflus’ model.
Gordon mentioned on the mix that he doesn’t have a choice between enjoying outdoors or nickel, and Poles mentioned the Bears worth the pliability he supplies.
Poles mentioned Gordon popped up of their mock-draft simulations just a few instances, however they didn’t suppose he can be out there.
“We kind of laughed it off and it was like, ‘There’s no way,’” Poles mentioned. “So when it actually happened it was a really cool moment, and we’re excited about adding a guy that I believe is going to be a starting-caliber corner. … His movement skills are outstanding. He’s tough. He has what we call reactive athleticism, twitchy. He’s going to help us in coverage big time.”
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Gordon ran a 4.52-second 40-yard sprint on the mix, however some inside the Bears had been excited by that, based on scout Francis St. Paul.
“We were like, ‘Uh oh, we may have a chance now,’” St. Paul mentioned. “He plays way faster than that time. And you see it all the time, there are a lot of players that don’t run as fast as we’re all expecting but they play faster. And he has great play speed.”
Multiple analysts indicated Gordon nonetheless must develop his instincts and approach, however Poles complimented his instincts, saying Gordon has an incredible really feel for the sport.
The Athletic ranked Gordon because the sixth-best cornerback within the draft, and he was the sixth chosen.
Scout’s take
“Just his competitiveness, toughness. This is a guy, when you speak with him, you’ll see he’s very calm. Corners, you’ve got to forget about the next play because you will get beat. And he’s one of the guys, that if he gets beat, it didn’t bother him at all, and he came back and competed more on the next play.” — St. Paul
In his personal phrases
“My favorite corner growing up, the one I watched the most was Darrelle Revis. He’s the one I kind of modeled my game after in just the way he is off the line. He’s just a technician the way he moves. … He’s just a great player.” — Gordon
You ought to know
Gordon’s mother acquired him into aggressive dancing when he was younger, and he mentioned he traveled across the nation for competitions in lyrical, ballet and hip hop. He additionally did martial arts.
St. Paul mentioned you may see his dance background in his play.
“You see it in his balance,” St. Paul mentioned. “You see it in his change of direction. He ran a 6.67(-second) three-cone. And the most impressive (thing) about it, he was stumbling and pulled out of that stumble and to finish with that time. …If he didn’t stumble, that time would have been amazing.”
Analyst’s take
“He ran in the low 4.5s (in the 40-yard dash at the combine), but he plays so much faster than that and can really find and play the ball. … He’s got the size and length that you love. He’s big-time explosive. … He’s a dynamic athlete.” — NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah
No. 48, second spherical: Jaquan Brisker, security, Penn State
Height, weight: 6-1, 206
Why the Bears picked him
The Bears want a security to start out alongside Eddie Jackson, and Brisker could possibly be that participant.
Brisker was named a second-team All-American by a number of retailers as a fifth-year senior in 2021 after transferring from junior school in 2019. A defensive chief for the Nittany Lions, he had 153 tackles, 9½ for a loss, 5 interceptions and 14 go breakups in 34 video games and 21 begins.
In his senior season in 2021, he had 64 tackles, 5½ for a loss, two interceptions, 5 go breakups, and a fumble restoration.
Poles lauded his toughness, his team-first mentality and his skill to rise to the event, noting a key interception in opposition to Wisconsin.
“One of those attributes you look for in players is can he make big plays in big moments?” Poles mentioned. “And he showed that over and over in his career, so we’re excited about him.”
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Brisker, who was The Athletic’s fifth-ranked security, got here up by way of the junior school ranks, so he spent 5 years in school. He performed by way of a shoulder damage in 2021.
Scout’s take
“You’re talking about a big guy that‘s physical. We like his toughness. We like his ball skills. … A guy that has got speed, range, ball skills, plus he brings the physical side of the game that we like. Obviously with ‘Flus and his defense, wanting to be a physical team, he also brings that aspect of it too.” — Bears scout Chris Prescott
In his personal phrases
“I just think leading by example is very important, whether that’s off the field or on the field. Off the field, my teammates can depend on me, especially working out on my own, them calling me or reaching out or me reaching out to them. And also the head coach can always depend on me to do the right thing.” — Brisker
You ought to know
Brisker performed two seasons at Lackawanna Community College earlier than transferring to Penn State in 2019.
“You just take everything one day at a time,” Brisker mentioned. “But really (I learned to) just be humble from the beginning. Me going through junior college is going to help me a lot. It helped me be more mature and helped me see where I was at.”
Analyst’s take
“Jaquan Brisker was a favorite of (Penn State coach) James Franklin’s from start to finish. … Really a versatile safety. He’s not just an in-the-box type.” — ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
No. 71, third spherical: Velus Jones Jr., broad receiver, Tennessee
Height, weight: 6-0, 204
Why the Bears drafted him
Jones is a speedy receiver who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard sprint on the mix.
He spent 4 years at USC, together with a redshirt freshman 12 months, earlier than transferring to Tennessee for 2 years. He had a career-high 62 catches for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2021.
He was the SEC co-special groups participant of the 12 months in 2021. He had 41 kick returns for 1,026 yards and a landing in two seasons at Tennessee and added 18 punt returns for 272 yards in 2021.
Poles mentioned the Bears worth Jones’ skill for use in a number of methods.
“I was looking for those guys that are explosive and they’re playmakers and they can help in many different areas, and that’s what this kid is,” Poles mentioned. “And whenever you get an opportunity to satisfy him, you’ll perceive that he’s totally different. He’s particular. There’s one thing about him. … There’s simply an aura about him.
“There’s a lot of really cool traits. This guy breaks a lot of tackles. He can take the top off. His run off the catch is outstanding. He’s big, too. … This isn’t like a skinny, fast dude. This is a strong, violent runner. He used to be a running back, too. There’s a lot we can do.”
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
After spending six seasons in school, Jones turns 25 in May and nonetheless wants to point out enchancment in his route operating, based on analysts.
“He’s a mature 25, as opposed to being an older guy who acts like a younger guy and falls in with the college crowd,” Bears scout Sam Summerville mentioned. “He’s very humble and he’s very hungry.”
Scout’s take
“He was one of the guys that took advantage of that COVID year and came back, and it really helped him to refine different parts of his game. The more I watched him, the more I saw him improve. Even going through this season, you see a different player end the season than what you saw earlier. … In particular I would say he got better with route running and things down the field. I think he has always been dynamic with the ball in his hands. He has continuing to add those different aspects to his game.” — Summerville
In his personal phrases
“Ball-in-hand guy, it doesn’t mean just short passes. When the ball touches my hands from an over route, curl route, an out route, I’m going to make something happen, especially with the mentality I have. It came from my father: never, ever get tackled by the first person. That’s something that I’ve been living. That’s something that I was able to put on film and prove I’m one of the best ball-in-hand guys in the nation.” — Jones
You ought to know
Jones dismissed questions on being a 25-year-old rookie, noting his lack of main accidents throughout his profession.
“Age is nothing but a number,” he mentioned. “I feel like injuries affect you no matter how old you are. I was fortunate. The biggest injury I ever had was a high ankle sprain. Never tore anything, broke anything, so I have the body of, like, a 21-year-old. Age is nothing but a number. A lot of people try to make it a big issue, but at the end of the day, I can play ball, I’m physical, I can run, I can make plays.”
Analyst’s take
“To me the most Deebo (Samuel)-like player — and it would definitely be Deebo-like, he’s not the same talent — but Velus Jones from Tennessee is kind of that guy that’s really, really sturdy and strong and explosive. Like real, real, real fast, somebody on jet sweeps. You see it in the kick return game with him, as well. Just get him the ball and let him go.” — Jeremiah
No. 168, fifth spherical: Braxton Jones, offensive deal with, Southern Utah
Height, weight: 6-5, 310
Why the Bears drafted him
The Bears wish to add extra expertise and depth to their offensive line so as to higher help younger quarterback Justin Fields. That led Poles to take a swing on Jones, who’s lauded for his size, quickness and really feel for the sport. Jones confirmed good footwork and bend throughout his school profession and in addition has the form of nasty edge Poles is trying to for the offensive line. He has an opportunity to be a strong run blocker on the following degree. Jones began 30 video games at Southern Utah.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
According to some expertise evaluators, Jones may be inconsistent along with his fundamentals and could also be significantly susceptible as a go protector in opposition to elite NFL defenders. He’s additionally coming from a struggling Football Championship Subdivision program within the Big Sky and can nearly definitely want time to develope.
Scout’s take
“He has the talent to compete for a position, for sure. He’s got the bend, he’s got the footwork, he has the pre-requisite length and frame that you look for in a tackle.” — Bears space scout Dave Williams
In his personal phrases
“I feel like I’m fairly ready, honestly, to compete. That’s the thing I do is compete all day. Obviously there might be a little bit of tweaking and some techniques that I need to fix. But that will come quickly. I think I’ll be able to come in and make a big impact immediately.”
You ought to know
Jones’ interplay with the Bears was minimal in the course of the predraft course of. He interviewed with he staff at each the Senior Bowl and the scouting mix. But that was it. Until final week when the Bears despatched assistant offensive line coach Austin King to Salt Lake City to have dinner with Jones and put him by way of a personal exercise.
“I think they just needed to see me actually move and be able to move in space and see my athleticism,” Jones mentioned. “Maybe they weren’t totally sold on it yet. For me to come out there on short notice and just do my thing, I think they saw that in me.”
Analyst’s take
“You want to talk about length? Almost 36-inch arms for Braxton Jones at 6-5, 310. He’s a specimen and when he gets his arms on you, it’s over. He just needs to get a little bit more comfortable and play with a little bit more balance. But to me, if he can get his pads down and play with more balance, that length is going to be a huge asset for him.” — Jeremiah
No. 174, fifth spherical: Dominique Robinson, edge rusher, Miami (Ohio)
Height, weight: 6-5, 253
Why the Bears drafted him
Robinson was a highschool quarterback who began his profession at Miami as a large receiver. He transitioned to edge rusher in 2020. In his fifth and ultimate 12 months at Miami, he had 29 tackles, 8½ tackles for a loss, 4½ sacks and 4 quarterback hurries.
Bears scout Brendan Rehor mentioned Robinson has the traits, together with excellent athletic skill, to be price a threat on a still-developing participant.
He noticed Robinson present up in opposition to Central Michigan in opposition to offensive lineman Luke Goedeke, who was drafted Friday within the second spherical, and mentioned Robinson additionally impressed on the Senior Bowl.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Robinson had solely two years of collegiate expertise on protection, and so nonetheless has improvement forward.
Rehor mentioned Robinson nonetheless has to enhance within the run sport. Robinson mentioned he considers himself to be “really, really raw.”
“I’ve been working on some new stuff,” Robinson mentioned. “I was a one-dimensional player, kind of. I only had one move throughout college. I wanted to add some power. I wanted to add some things that come off of power, and I think I’ve been doing that pretty well on a consistent basis during this off time.”
Scout’s take
“The athlete stands out the most. There’s only upside with this kid, which is what we’re betting on and what we invested in. The athlete himself, the frame, when you get up on this kid, he’s a lean dude. … There is some rawness to him, but this kid can rush the passer. He showed this at the Senior Bowl. That was really where he made his biggest step where he (showed he) belonged.” – Rehor
In his personal phrases
“The thought when I was making the switch (to defense) was I wanted to make plays. I’ve been a playmaker all my life and when I was not able to get the ball to make plays at wide receiver, I knew I needed to put myself in a position to make plays without having the ball in my hand. I knew that the defense was the best way to do that and that’s what I did.” — Robinson
You ought to know
Robinson mentioned he has been watching movie of varied gamers, together with former Bears first-round draft choose Leonard Floyd, T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett, as he tries so as to add go rush strikes.
“Those guys are very explosive, very good with their hands, very good with doing different things and that’s what I plan to try to bring,” Robinson mentioned. “My agent kind of helped me out with finding people who are similar to my build and kind of move the way that I move. I move like (Floyd) moves. We’re built the same, kind of longer body guys. He has some nice moves that I definitely want to take and start crafting and put them in my arsenal.”
GM’s take
“We brought a lot of good teachers in this building, so (a player like this is) where it pays off. This guy is long, he’s flexible, he can dip. He’s fairly new to the position, but you saw the flashes. An old mentor of mine told me, ‘When it comes to defensive players, grade the flashes. You can develop that. If you do it once, you can do it again.’ So we all saw that and I’m excited to see what kind of player he turns into.” — Poles
No. 186, sixth spherical: Zachary Thomas, offensive lineman, San Diego State
Height, weight: 6-5, 308
Why the Bears drafted him
Offensive line was one of many first positions Poles recognized needing work when he was employed. The proper guard job seems broad open in the course of the center of the offseason exercise program. While it’s a lengthy shot Thomas will be capable of push for that spot, it’s cheap to imagine that with a 12 months of improvement, he shall be in place to assist the staff in a 12 months. Thomas made 30 begins for the Aztecs and whereas he primarily performed deal with in school, he initiatives as a guard within the NFL.
He has toughness and sturdiness and performs with good leverage. The Bears had been in on Thomas early within the course of and used one among their top-30 visits to get to know him higher. The Aztecs have a run-dominated scheme with zone blocking so which may assist Thomas make the adjustment to the skilled degree.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
He wants a little bit extra polish along with his handwork and lacks the athletic skill to be thought of greater than a man that may get you thru a sport at offensive deal with.
Scout’s take
“Zach probably has a little bit more dense lower body, a little bit more physical in the run game (compared to Jones). I think that really stands out. Braxton has more gifted length. Braxton’s 35-inch arms, Zach is probably closer to 34 but both have the prerequisite length that you can put them at tackle or put them at guard. (Thomas’ position) probably will just depend on the need of our team. I know that’s kind of punting on that question but he does have the football intelligence, he does have the height, weight, length, arm length that you need to play tackle but also can play guard because he’s done it before and he has the body type. When you see his body type he’s a lot thicker in the lower body.” — Bears scout David Williams
In his personal phrases
“I’m coming off a season at left deal with so I’d most likely must say that (is the place I’m most comfy). I really feel comfy anyplace on the road. I shall be able to go as quickly as I get there to simply form of fill in and do what I can. I’m unsure (the place they need me to play).
Ball-in-hand man, it doesn’t imply simply brief passes. When the ball touches my arms from an over route, curl route, an out route, I’m going to make one thing occur, particularly with the mentality I’ve. It got here from my father: by no means, ever get tackled by the primary individual. That’s one thing that I’ve been dwelling. That’s one thing that I used to be capable of placed on movie and show I’m probably the greatest ball-in-hand guys within the nation.” — Thomas
You ought to know
His youthful brother Cameron, who additionally performed at San Diego State, was drafted within the third spherical Friday night time by the Arizona Cardinals. Cameron is a defensive lineman.
No. 203, sixth spherical: Trestan Ebner, operating again, Baylor
Height, weight: 5-11, 206
Why the Bears drafted him
Ebner was the Big 12 particular groups participant of the 12 months in 2021, when he had 23 kick returns for 511 yards and a landing and 7 punt returns for 154 yards. He totaled 4,542 all-purpose yards over his five-year profession at Baylor, with 1,690 speeding yards and 1,515 receiving yards. He had 4 return touchdowns.
The Bears have already got operating backs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, however Ebner’s return prowess and pass-catching skills give him an opportunity to latch on with the Bears as a change-of-pace again. He ran a 4.43-second 40-yard sprint on the mix.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Poles spoke earlier within the week concerning the depth of the operating again class, and Ebner is a kind of gamers with Day 3 worth. Ebner was a complementary piece on offense to operating again Abram Smith, who had greater than 1,600 speeding yards final season.
Scout’s take
“The kick return is where the real value is. Physical north/south runner, 4.43 speed, similar to Velus (Jones) in that regard, so I think it gives you another option when you start getting late in the season. … (Catching passes out of the backfield) is his calling card and his best value. In high school he played a little bit of receiver, played some quarterback, kind of moved around, but that’s the first thing that stands out when you watch him. The guy runs routes like a receiver, he catches the ball naturally. It showed up consistently on film and at his pro day, and that’s really what makes him dynamic and a special weapon.” — Bears scout Breck Ackley
In his personal phrases
“I like to be versatile. I think I’m good at a lot of different things, and it adds value to my game. And so that’s just me, I can play running back, receiver or return kicks and punts. I think my biggest contribution I can make to the team (is) catching the ball out of the backfield.” — Ebner
You ought to know
When Ackley was requested what makes Ebner tick, he referenced Ebner’s East Texas background.
“It’s all football around that area,” Ackley mentioned. “They take pride in it growing up. He’s just a passionate guy.”
Ackley additionally cited Ebner’s expertise on a variety of Baylor groups — from a bunch that went 1-11 in 2017 to 12-2 in 2021.
“You can tell through his career arc and the role he’s played and splitting reps, never complaining, playing special teams, you feel the passion and that’s what makes him tick,” he mentioned. “It shows on him and it matches when you meet him in person.”
GM’s take
“What stood out with him is a lot of the outside zone scheme, he had feel, and you need feel and vision in that scheme. We believe that he can come in and compete. I don’t know where that will end up. But any time that you have competition, that whole room should get better.” — Poles
No. 207, sixth spherical: Doug Kramer, middle, Illinois
Height, weight: 6-2, 299
Why the Bears drafted him
Kramer is a brilliant middle with a ton of Big Ten expertise. He made 48 begins over 5 seasons for the Illini, benefiting from an additional COVID-19 12 months. Kramer was a three-time captain, so he was a pacesetter beneath Lovie Smith and Bret Bielema. He was the third of 4 offensive linemen drafted on the day with a aim of infusing the group with contemporary expertise for place coach Chris Morgan to develop.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Kramer was a little bit undersized within the Big Ten and his dimension shall be an impediment for him within the NFL, particularly when he goes up in opposition to bigger inside defensive linemen. He tries to make up for that lack of bulk with quickness, hand placement and angles.
Scout’s take
“You do (take note of his size), but being a center, you’re going to get some help, some chip help with the guard. And we’re also seeing the center more in space. That’s going to help. But size is obvious. But he stays so low. He keeps good leverage. And he can work low really well. If he was the typical high blocker, I would say, man, this guy’s going to have trouble. But he stays so low. And he’s just so steady. You can never have enough offensive linemen. Especially, hopefully good ones.” — Bears scout Jeff Shiver
In his personal phrases
“It’s who I’m as a participant. I’m 6-foot-2, I’m 300 kilos. So, I simply want to make use of the issues that I do nicely so as to win blocks. That’s what it comes all the way down to. Honestly, I don’t give it some thought an excessive amount of. I simply attempt to play onerous and do what I’m coached to do on the sector and simply get after individuals and that’s form of how I’ve been my complete life — play with a chip on my shoulder as a result of I do know that different folks that I’m undersized and I won’t have it.
“Incredible experience to have (playing five seasons in Champaign). I am thankful and very proud of the fact that I was able to play early on at Illinois and you know those coaches had to trust in me to put me in when I was 19 years old and toss me into the fire. So obviously there were a lot of learning experiences at the beginning of it, some tough games where the offensive line didn’t play great. Near the end of my career, I felt what having that experience was like and I really do think it helped me as a player, as a leader and really just as a person. Football develops you in so many ways.” — Kramer
You ought to know
The Hinsdale Central graduate grew up a Bears fan and referred to as Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester childhood favorites earlier than he started enjoying on the offensive line, gravitating towards Olin Kreutz as his favourite participant.
No. 226, seventh spherical: Ja’Tyre Carter, offensive lineman, Southern
Height, weight: 6-3, 311
Why the Bears drafted him
Continuing a buying spree on offensive linemen, Poles went again to the FCS for Carter, a left deal with in school who will nearly definitely shift inside to protect on the subsequent degree. Carter has prototypical dimension for an inside offensive lineman and performs with confidence. He was a four-year starter at Southern and reveals grit when he performs. Bears expertise evaluators had been impressed by the best way he strikes at his dimension.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Carter lacks elite burst, agility and energy, limiting his long-term upside. As a Day 3 cube roll, he has a talent set price playing on. But it’s removed from a provided that he’ll stay with the Bears past the preseason.
Scout’s take
“At that level (of college football), you want to see a guy stand out. The first thing you notice is he walks in the room to meet you and he looks the part. That’s step one. He’s well put together and looks like an NFL lineman. Then it’s seeing him move. You go to practice and see him move live and that’s the next check box. Then, obviously, you turn on the film after that and he’s holding his own.” — Ackley
In his personal phrases
“I already had a lot of confidence. It’s just that that week proved to teams that I could compete with the high-level guys. That was the biggest question for me going into this draft process.” — Carter on his expertise on the Senior Bowl in January
You ought to know
Ackley, the Bears space scout accountable for assessing Carter, was a kicker at Southern and subsequently felt an added connection to Carter: “Close to my heart there,” Ackley mentioned Saturday.
Of all of the video games Ackley watched Carter play, Ackley appeared most impressed by his efficiency in opposition to Troy with Carter stepping up in school and greater than holding his personal in opposition to an FBS opponent.
“He wasn’t stressed,” Ackley mentioned. “When you’re watching O-linemen, a lot of times when they’re facing better players, you’ll see them athletically strain and it’ll look a little different from one of their normal conference games. But you didn’t see that with him. He handled (Troy) well, played his game and you didn’t see any real bad beats.”
Analyst’s take
“Carter relies on his grip strength to strain and steer his man, maintaining footwork and leverage to be a finisher. He needs to clean up some movement pattern flaws and improve his recovery skills in pass protection, but his quickness and punch are assets.” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic
No. 254, seventh spherical: Elijah Hicks, security, Cal
Height, weight: 5-11, 203
Why the Bears drafted him
Hicks made 46 begins throughout in school and accomplished a profitable transition from cornerback to security for his ultimate season. He was an All-Pac-12 choice in 2021, displaying a capability to be opportunistic on the again finish. He had three interceptions and compelled 4 fumbles final season with the form of aggressive mentality that will match nicely with Bears coach Matt Eberflus’ “H.I.T.S.” philosophy.
Hicks has sufficient expertise to compete for a job within the Bears secondary whereas additionally having confirmed skill on particular groups. He can be a high-character prospect who was a nominee for the Pac-12′s Scholar Athlete of the Year Award in addition to a semifinalist for the Jason Witten College Man of the Year award, which acknowledges braveness, integrity and sportsmanship.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
It’s nonetheless a little bit of a projection on what Hicks may be as an NFL security after he spent the vast majority of his school profession at cornerback. He must proceed to enhance his imaginative and prescient on the again finish and take to teaching to mould himself into a daily contributor on protection.
In his personal phrases
“It’s a big responsibility. I’m physically able to do it and mentally I was able to do it. This season … I was really productive, making plays all over the field. It was a natural fit. I was really thankful that transition was happening. I’m more versatile now.” — Hicks on his transfer to security late in 2020
You ought to know
Hicks had hats from all 32 groups prepared Saturday as he waited to be taught the place he was headed throughout a draft gathering in Lake Tahoe. When he did a Zoom name with Bears reporters Saturday night, he was proudly sporting his new Bears cap, emphasizing that his girlfriend had that one singled out in entrance of the TV earlier than he was drafted: “We were just hoping it would happen.”
As for the opposite 31 caps? The tags are nonetheless on.
“Yeah, they are getting returned real quick,” Hicks cracked.
Coach’s take
“It’s his cover skill set, being from both (the cornerback and safety) positions. You can see him doing a lot for you. You can match him up on certain players. He can play the deep part of the field. He’s got great range in the deep part of the field. He’s a physical player. We were really excited to get him at the spot we got him. We were elated.” — Eberflus
No. 255, seventh spherical: Trenton Gill, punter, North Carolina State
Height, weight: 6-4, 220
Why the Bears drafted him
The Bears let Pat O’Donnell — their punter the final eight seasons — go to the Green Bay Packers in free company. So they’d a necessity on the place, although Ryan Winslow can be on the roster.
Gill was the N.C. State punter for 3 seasons and had 65 punts for two,928 yards in 2021, with a protracted of 65. He had 31 punts contained in the 20-yard line and 23 punts of fifty yards or extra. He averaged 45.8 yards per punt for his profession.
Why he wasn’t drafted sooner
Three punters went earlier than Gill — Penn State’s Jordan Stout and Georgia’s Jake Camarda within the fourth spherical, and San Diego State’s Matt Araiza within the sixth spherical.
“It was definitely cool to see because I knew the more people went, the more attention I’d get and the more demand there would be for me because the supply was getting lower,” Gill mentioned. “It’s great to see teams starting to draft more special teams players as well. They kind of see the importance of specialists.”
In his personal phrases
“I’ve positively heard quite a lot of stuff (about Soldier Field). … I’m positively ready. I’m prepared. I’ve been engaged on it. I’m able to face any adversity and any challenges I’ve.
“Boston College last year, there was about a 35 mph wind and rain. That was tough. But that was actually one of my better games. And then we played in the snow versus Notre Dame a couple years ago. That was super cold. But I thought I did well in that game, too. I think the colder situations, that kind of makes you better because you’ve got to focus a little bit harder.” — Gill on probably punting at Soldier Field
You ought to know
In his first two years at N.C. State, Gill discovered behind Las Vegas Raiders punter A.J. Cole, who averaged 50 yards per punt in 2021 in his third NFL season.
“He taught me a lot,” Gill mentioned. “Throughout this process I’ve been reaching out to him because he went through it three years ago. It was great to have his experience on my side going through this whole process. He’s been very successful. If I’m able to replicate that and have the same formula that he has basically given me, I’ll be successful as well.”
GM’s take
“When you get in bidding wars (for undrafted free agents) it’s tough and becomes unpredictable. We identified him as a player who could come in and compete for that punter job. Instead of going through that whole process, we decided just to get it done.” — Poles
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Source: www.bostonherald.com