Chicago Bears '17 Draft Result + Grades

by CypherSimile | 8 years ago | 4 Comments

(WR Malcolm Herzlich was chosen to take up WR Alshon Jeffery's torch)

 

- Chicago Tribune 

Surprise: The Chicago Bears defeated the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles in the wildcard round despite being a bigtime underdog.

Surprise: QB Keevin Steed out-dueled fellow draft classmate QB Yahiko Pain in another underdog game.

Surprise: The Chicago Bears traded longtime favorite WR Alshon Jeffery to the Tennessee Titans.

Surprise, surprise.

The 2017 season saw a littany of surprises as the Chicago Bears, who started the season 1-4, not only win the NFC North with a 10-6 record, but make the NFC Championship game behind the legs of Best HB winner (surprise) Jeremy Langford and a bend but don't break defense. Unfortunately, the defense finally broke to the offensively overwhelming LA Rams.

The Chicago Bears have a number of holes on the team most notably at receiver with WR Alshon Jeffery gone. Aging offensive linemen, aging linebackers and lack of talent at corner, the team needed to be replenished and Coach Cypha may have done just that.

Let's take a look at their draft and see how they did:

 

Round 2 Pick 5

WR Malcolm Herzlich, Pittsburgh

Once projected to be a top 10 pick, it was a wonder that he tumbled down the draft and into the Chicago Bears' hands. 6'1" and 214 pounds, Herzlich is every bit of SFL ready. Silky smooth route runner with the speed and agility to match, the young Pitt wide out has solid hands and can combat for a starting spot from day one. A true steal for the Chicago Bears at the top of the 2nd round.

Top 3 Attributes: 94 JMP - 88 CIT - 86 SPC

Grade: A

 

Round 2 Pick 6

C Tavaras McAllister, USC

Another 1st round talent that fell to the second round, the Chicago Bears struck and got gold again. The former Trojan was the glue to a solid offensive line in Southern California and will head to Chicago as the future of an otherwise older offensive line. Tavaras is on the fast track to being the week one starter as his abilities in the run and pass game will help this offensive line improve dramatically.

Top 3 Attributes: 88 STR - 82 PBK - 79 RBK

Grade: A

 

Round 2 Pick 30

LOLB Jordan Gilbert, North Dakota

This pick seemed to be a needs pick as by the time the 30th pick in the 2nd round came along, there was a lack of talent remaining at linebacker. At 6'3 and 253 pounds, Jordan Gilbert split time at defensive end & outside linebacker before finally deciding upon linebacker. He can play sideline to sideline and can hold his own against offensive linemen with his 83 strength and 82 power move. A developmental project with the potential payoff to be a true diamond in the rough pickup for the Bears.

Top 3 Attributes: 83 STR - 82 PMV - 81 TAK

Grade: B-

 

Round 3 Pick 30

RE Xavier Bacon, Baylor

On tape, Xavier Bacon stands out as a speedy edge rusher but his lack of high motor saw his stock take a hit. He is a strong and agile end that excels at playing the run by destroying the edges set by offensive linemen. His pass rushing moves are a bit unrefined but he has to potential to become quite a dynamic lineman. A solid pickup for the Chicago Bears.

Top 3 Attributes: 84 SPD - 84 PMV - 81 STR

Grade: C

 

Round 4 Pick 30

CB Parker Bledsoe, Florida State

At 6'2, Parker Bledsoe follows a long line of Florida State corners that are physical and have the size to match. Bledsoe split time at free safety and corner but more than likely will settle in as the dime corner for this Chicago Bears team. Primarily a zone corner, he isn't the fastest to the football but when he does get to it, he can lay the lumber on opposing receivers. Another solid pick-up and to this point a solid draft for Coach Cypha.

Top 3 Attributes: 89 SPD - 87 JMP - 79 ZCV

Grade: C+

 

Round 5 Pick 30

RG Steven Chambers, Delaware St.

Raw is what describes Steven Chambers as an offensive lineman. Delaware St. employed a high powered offensive attack centered primarily around their passing attack so Chambers is beyond capable of pass blocking. His flaw is at run blocking since he hasn't had to do too much of it. With development, he should be capable of taking over for Josh Sitton or Kyle Long upon their departure from the team.

Top 3 Attributes: 84 PBK - 75 IBK - 74 RBK

Grade: C+

 

Round 6 Pick 30

WR Rashaun Tutt, UTEP

WR Rashaun Tutt is my top pick of the draft for the Chicago Bears. At 6'5 232lbs, Tutt stands like a king amongst his opposition and has the abilities to go along his size. Strong hands, faster than average, and can out-jump any defender, WR Rashaun Tutt, with the departure of WR Alshon Jeffery, has a real shot at being the starting slot WR for the Chicago Bears come day one.

Top 3 Attributes: 92 SPD - 92 JMP - 84 CTH

Grade: A+

 

Round 7 Pick 30

WR Cortez Burfict, Central Michigan

The third receiver taken at first glance looks like a very raw Alshon Jeffery as Coach Cypha continued his draw of tall and physical receivers. Cortez is a volume catcher as he has strong hands and is fast enough to create seperation from defenders. His weakness is that he ran only a few routes at Central Michigan and all of his routes were scripted with no options or deviations allowed. A good closing pick to an otherwise successful draft.

Top 3 Attributes: 91 SPD - 83 CTH - 75 CIT

Grade: C+

 

Overall Draft Grade: B+