Marc Trestman went into his second draft with the Bears and General Manager Phil Emery having finished 8-8 last year with no playoff appearance.
Quarterback Jay Cutler yet again failed to play a full 16-game season, something he’s failed to do since 2010. While the Bears did reward Cutler (as if they had a choice) with a new seven-year contract, they managed to find insurance under center in the draft.
Kyle Fuller, cornerback, Virginia Tech (14th overall, first round)
Fuller rose up draft boards in the two weeks leading up to May 8. Fuller is a big, versatile cornerback who can play true cornerback, in the slot, or even safety, something that Phil Emery said the Bears were looking for leading up to the draft.
Emery, a General Manager big on character, said of Fuller “When I met Mr. Fuller in October, I knew right then and there that he was a man I wanted to represent the Chicago Bears someday.”
Initial Grade: A
Ego Ferguson, defensive tackle, Louisiana State (51st overall, second round)
This pick was puzzling to most people when it was announced, as Ferguson doesn’t seem to fit Chicago’s scheme as well as other available defensive tackles may have such as DaQuan Jones (Titans) may have. Nonetheless, the big-bodied Ferguson will have a chance to start, but not without competition, as the Bears went defensive tackle with their very next pick as well.
Initial Grade: C-
Will Sutton, defensive tackle, Arizona State (82nd overall, third round)
Sutton, once considered a first round option by some media scouts, saw himself fall in day two purely based on his lack of size if you ask around. Sutton is barely six feet tall, and plays his best when he’s around 285-290; Sutton played at about 280 last season. Sutton’s size is certainly a concern, hence his fall in the draft, and could hinder his chances of being productive long-term in Chicago; the exact opposite of what they need for a porous run defense.
Initial Grade: D
Ka’Deem Carey, running back, Arizona (117th overall, fourth round)
Ironic that I mention Emery’s love for high-character players, then he drafts Ka’Deem Carey, who’s had more than one off-field issue during his tenure as Wildcat. When Carey keeps his head on straight, he’s one of the most dynamic backs in the country, which was shown as he was a semi-finalist for the Heisman trophy last season. Carey should be slotted immediately as the second option behind Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte, with the absence of Michael Bush.
Initial Grade: B
Brock Vereen, safety, Minnesota (131st overall, fourth round)
Brock, the brother of Patriots running back Shane Vereen, will get an immediate chance to start in Chicago, a team desperate for safety help. Vereen’s athleticism in centerfield was surely a high point on the list of reasons Chicago saw him as a great value pick in the middle of the draft.
Initial Grade: B-
David Fales, quarterback, San Jose State (183rd overall, fifth round)
Trestman gets his first developmental quarterback as head coach of the Bears. Fales is a great developmental option for Trestman, and a future high-value insurance option in the likely event that Cutler is unable to finish or play games due to injury.
Initial Grade: B-
Pat O’Donnell, punter, Miami (FL) (191st overall, sixth round)
A Punter. That pretty much sums up this pick.
Initial Grade: C+ (only because there’s a need)
Charles Leno, Jr., offensive tackle, Boise State (246th overall, seventh round)
Jordan Mills, who played all 16 games last season as a rookie, provided the Bears with consistency, but not necessarily production. Having graded out as one of the worst three starting right tackles in football according to Pro Football Focus, Mills was sure to receive a push in competition, which will now be provided by Leno, Jr.
Initial Grade: C+
The Bears attempted to fill immediate needs during the draft, but could look back on this draft as the class that set them back .
Overall initial grade: C+
Be sure to follow Chris on Twitter @insidethefilm, where he covers college football, recruiting, and the NFL Draft for eDraft.com and 247sports.com