Chicago Bears: 3 Rookies Make NFL Top 25 Rankings

The Chicago Bears knew if they wanted to get back into contention for a Super Bowl, they would have to start hitting on their picks in the NFL draft.

That is what GM Ryan Pace was brought in to do. Despite being the youngest at his job in the league, he didn’t seem daunted by the task at hand. Ownership claimed he had a plan and has set about executing it. After a rough start to the season it’s becoming clearer that Pace has an eye for talent. In fact this 2016 draft class he put together may end up being one of the best in recent Bears history.

Daniel Jeremiah, a former scout and now draft expert for NFL Network, released his midseason top 25 rookie rankings. Though the Ezekiel Elliott of the Cowboys claimed the #1 spot, the Bears were well-represented on the list. Three of their draft picks managed to make it. They were as follows.

9th:  Cody Whitehair

"“Whitehair has quickly emerged as one of the top centers in the NFC. He has stabilized the position for the Bears and continues to improve each and every week.”"

It really is astounding how much progress Whitehair has made. Keep in mind he had never played center before in his football career. He was an offensive tackle at Kansas State. He was slated for left guard early in the year but was forced to move to center after Hroniss Grasu tore his ACL. Since then he has rapidly developed into not just a function but a really good player. He doesn’t make many mistakes, moves really well and isn’t afraid to get physical.

12th:  Jordan Howard

"“Howard has really come on over the last few weeks. He looks every bit like a feature running back. His ability to make plays in the passing game has been a pleasant surprise.”"

What a story this kid is. He went to the University of Alabama-Birmingham initially but was forced to transfer after the football program disbanded. He landed at Indiana where he shined. However, experts were wary of his injury history and overall lack of speed. Chicago plucked him in the 5th round. After the two guys ahead of him on the depth chart got hurt, Howard got his opportunity. Now he’s second among rookies in rushing with 505 yards. This despite not playing for two weeks.

21st:  Leonard Floyd

"“After a quiet start to the season, Floyd has begun to become a disruptive force for the Bears. He’s currently third among rookies with 3.5 sacks.”"

First round picks have given the Bears headaches for the past 10 years. The only successful one they’ve had is Kyle Long. The rest were busts or have proven too injury-prone. Fans were deathly afraid linebacker Leonard Floyd would go down that same path. For a time it seemed like he was. He struggled when on the field and had a myriad of nagging ailments. Coaches though insisted he was improving and could excel if he got healthy. So they shut him down for two weeks. Since returning he has three sacks in two games.