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.
I'am actually happy with this draft for the Bears. I feel like they filled needs and added depth.
The first three picks (Kyle Fuller, Ego, Ferguson, and Will Sutton) where an area of need for the Bears on defense. Tillman May be on the last legs off his career but I think Kyle Fuller has a damn good teacher to learn from. I like the idea of taking two DTs with back to back picks granted one of them will be a project (Ego Ferguson) for the Bears. Stephen Paea is headed into a contract year and hasn't shown any reason why to give him a new contract. Don't be shocked if Paea is a bubble player who could be cut by the Bears unless he shows something in training camp and preseason.
It's also time the Bears go a different route at back up RB and that is what the Bears are doing with Ka'Deem Caray. Since Forte's rookie year in 2008, they have had other teams leftovers (Kevin Jones, Chester Taylor, Marion Barber, & Michael Bush) to back up Forte. CBS Sports compares Caray to Ahmad Bradshaw which I'm cool with as long as he can stay healthy.
Than the Bears wind up trading into the 4th round to draft Brock Vereen. With what else the Bears currently have on the roster at Safety, don't be shocked IF Vereen is starting week 1.
When the Bears drafted Pat O'Donnell in the 6th round, I was like OK. A punter??? Than I really thought about it and yes, the Bears do need a punter. If O'Donnell makes the team out of training camp, hopefully he is ready for the swirling winds at Soldier Field with him coming from The U.
I'm ok with the 7th round pick (Charles Leno) for depth.
It was definitely a solid overall draft for the Bears. Now if they can make it work on the field to make the playoffs.