With the 2014 NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to break down how the Chicago Bears did. The Bears needed defense in a big way after being last in the NFL in rush defense last season and had to upgrade all over that side of the ball. In the end, Chicago ended up making three great picks out of their first four. Here is a grade on each of those selections.
Round 1 (Pick 14)- Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
While this pick may be more for the future than the present, Fuller could easily slide into the secondary for the Bears from day one. Charles Tillman isn’t getting any younger and the Bears needed a young cornerback to take over for him. No one saw the pick coming and Fuller could turn into one of the biggest steals of the draft when all is said and done. Grade: A
Round 2 (Pick 51)- Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU
A solid player who made a big impact on the Tigers last season but just became a starter. He was brought in for depth on the defensive line especially with age beginning to take its toll. Ferguson will likely not start to begin the season but for a player who made 58 tackles last season in 12 games for LSU, he will out there soon enough. However, there were better options available. Grade: C+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWZi9vv-XwY
Round 3 (Pick 82)- Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State
Sutton is the perfect player for the three-technique that the Bears employ on their defensive line. It is hard to explain why he slipped into the third round but the Bears caught a break with this pick. He was a three-year starter and had 13 sacks in 2012. He has the potential to be one of the great defensive tackles in team history if he plays to his ability. Grade: A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwaWgUpDa3I
Round 4 (Pick 117)- Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona
Carey rushed for 3,645 yards over the last two seasons for the Wildcats and he was brought in to back up Matt Forte and give him some much-needed breaks.. If the Bears can give Carey a few carries a game to give Forte a breather in Chicago’s high-octane offense, the team will be better off as a whole. The pick was a great one in the fourth round. Grade: A-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K35uRZccJvQ
It is clear that the Bears have improved their team over last season. It is now time to see if all these picks produce as well on the field as they look on paper.