Chicago Bears: Final 2015 NFL Draft Grade

With their regular season complete, the Chicago Bears are left to take stock of what they have and what they’ll need moving forward.  This includes an assessment of their 2015 NFL draft class.  How did is fair through its first season in pro football.

Here is the final grading for how the Bears faired.

1st Round:  Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)

Anticipation was so high for him this season.  It’s really unfortunate he never got a chance to play.  He could’ve based on the credible rumors that he was progressing from the surgery on his fractured shin ahead of schedule.  In the end though, the Bears chose to play it safe and will wait until he’s completely healthy in 2016.

2nd Round: Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)

Dick Butkus was right to like this pick.  Many, including this writer felt the Bears got a steal when they drafted Goldman in the 2nd round and he played like it.  He led all rookie in sacks at one point with 4.5.  Keep in mind he’s a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.  They aren’t known for their pass rush prowess, which should really get people excited about his future.

3rd Round:  Hroniss Grasu (C, Oregon)

It was clear from the outset that Grasu was never supposed to play in 2015.  That is why the Bears signed veteran Will Montgomery.  Sadly he was lost for the season and the rookie was forced to step up.  He struggled early but as the season progressed he took a number of steps in the right direction.  Improving his strength is a top priority but it’s clear there is plenty to work with.

4th Round:  Jeremy Langford (RB, Michigan State)

Age and an expiring contract for Matt Forte signaled the Bears needed to start thinking about adding young bodies at running back.  Langford was an interesting choice given he was still new to the position, though talented by most accounts.  He responded by leading the team in rushing touchdowns (6) and tying for the lead in total touchdowns.  His explosiveness jumps out right away.  It’s no longer a matter of if but when he replaces Forte.

5th Round:  Adrian Amos (FS, Penn State)

Easily the biggest surprise of the draft.  Some were skeptical of Amos as a safety, feeling he didn’t play physical enough.  He responded by securing a starting job in training camp and then leading all defensive backs in 2015 with 67 tackles.  To get that kind of production from somebody drafted that late is rare, and proof Ryan Pace may have an eye for talent.

6th Round:  Tayo Fabuluje (OT, TCU)

He only played two regular season snaps and was eventually suspended for violating league policy.  So safe to say the young tackle didn’t make the best first impression.  That said he looked pretty good in preseason, not allowing a sack, hit or pressure on the quarterback in 48 snaps.

GRADE:  A-

The injury situation with Kevin White can’t be blamed on Pace on his front office.  There were zero indications such a problem would arise.  To think they got three rookie starters out of six picks and another who led the team in touchdowns is a feat that is much harder to do than people realize.  The Chicago Bears deserve credit for this.