The Chicago Bears drafted 11 players last weekend to improve their football team. I really liked they added several picks on the final day of the draft to add more draft picks despite them being in the final rounds. I will break down each pick for the Bears. I personally wished they added more weapons for Justin Fields but glad they got him some protection on the offensive line as new Bears GM Ryan Poles stuck to best player available on his draft board.
Kyler Gordon CB Washington (2nd round 39th overall): Pretty good size at 6′ 0″ at 194 lbs, while I think he is one of the most underrated corners in this draft. Some people had late first round grade him and I think the Bears got pretty good value with him at 39. I really like his cover skills and he can play both on the outside and in the slot as well. Very underrated tackler against the run. Could possibly be the opposite corner of Jaylon Johnson week 1.
Jaquan Brisker 6′ 1″ 199 lbs Safety from Penn State (2nd Round 48th overall): What I love about Brisker is his versatility, his athleticism and his range for a safety. He can play both strong and free safety. Big hands which I really like and he can also cover anywhere on the field while he is also good at stopping the run. Him and Eddie Jackson could be the starting safeties in week 1.
Velus Jones WR 6′ 0″ 204 lbs from Tennessee (3rd round 71st overall): Jones can really fly when he has the ball in his hands. I have heard some comparisons to Deebo Samuel of the 49ers and former Bears returner Cordarrelle Paterson who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Jones is very dangerous for yards after the catch along with on both kick and punt returns. Has lined up at running back before just like Samuel does with the SF 49ers. Bears can for sure use him in certain situations for offense and special teams. He does need to work on his route running at the next level while playing wide receiver.
Braxton Jones 6′ 5″ 310 lbs offensive tackle from Southern Utah State (5th round 168th overall): I love the size and length of Jones for an offensive lineman. I like his skills in pass protection but could use some work in run blocking. Great feet for someone on the offensive line and I really like how stays square and straight up against the pass rush. Good hands for an offensive lineman and maybe could be a Bears starter on the offensive line.
Dominique Robinson 6′ 5″ 253 lbs edge rusher from Miami of Ohio (5th round 174 overall): The more pass rushers for any team in the NFL the better. I really love his explosiveness off the edge for a pass rusher which key in today’s NFL. Great value pick for the Bears as most draft experts had him in the 3rd-4th round range. A former wide receiver who turned into an edge rusher. He is still very raw a pass rusher but if he continues to get better and better for the Bears, that will be a big big plus for the Chicago Bears defense.
Zach Thomas 6′ 5″ 308 lbs guard from San Diego State (6th round 186th overall): Zach played both offensive guard and tackle at San Diego State. Most NFL people believe if he makes an NFL roster he will very likely best fitted to play guard. Better in run blocking than pass protection. Has good movement for an offensive lineman especially in zone blocking schemes.
Trestan Ebner 5′ 11″ 206 lbs running back from Baylor (6th round 203rd overall): Trestan great speed who ran the 40 at 4.43 seconds is explosive both on offense and special teams. I could see the Bears use him both as a 3rd down running back who catches balls passes out of the backfield where he is a mismatch or possibly on returns on either kickoffs or punts. Bears could use him in multiple ways.
Doug Kramer 6′ 2″ 299 lbs Center from Illinois (6th round 207th overall): Doug was able to play an extra year of College Football at Illinois due to Covid and it paid off. He is known as a Zone scheme center with great strength and great feet which is key for a center. Solid against both in pass protection and run blocking.
Ja’Tyre Carter 6′ 3″ 311 lbs guard from Southern University (7th round 226th overall): Carter played both offensive guard and tackle while at Southern University. A lot of people like his frame and upper body strength. Decent feet and quickness to move around. Decent both in pass protection and run blocking.
Elijah Hicks 5′ 11″ 198 lbs Safety from California (7th round 254th overall): Strong hands with good reaction time to get the interception. Pretty hard hitter with good awareness. Solid in run support. Tough hard nose player.
Trenton Gill 6′ 4″ 220 lbs Punter from NC State (7th round 255th overall): I had a feeling the Bears were going to draft a punter after the departure of Pat O’Donnell. Not a strong leg and also could improve his hang time. Slow start in the first half of the recent season but got better during the second half of the season.