Chicago Bears: The 2018 NFL Draft Report Card
By Erik Lambert
OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 01: Anthony Miller #3 of the Memphis Tigers runs with the ball as John Youngblood #38 of the Mississippi Rebels defends during the first half of a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
2nd Round: James Daniels (C, Iowa) = A
If not for some lingering concerns about his knee, James Daniels would’ve gone in the 1st round. No question. He was a dominant force at times in the middle of that Iowa offense, paving the way for a consistently effective ground attack while rarely giving up much in pass protection. He’s a good athlete, smart, dependable and functionally strong. This is a young man who should play 10 years in the NFL and could be a Pro Bowler if things progress as hoped.
2nd Round: Anthony Miller (WR, Memphis) = A-
The boldest move by the Bears this off-season. They were stuck in the 4th round, but that wasn’t going to stop Pace. He gave the Patriots a 2nd rounder in 2019 to jump back into the 2nd round to grab Anthony Miller. This kid was ultra-productive at Memphis with two 1,400-yard seasons. He’s a sharp route runner, quick, agile and stronger than he looks with good hands. Some have compared him to Antonio Brown. He certainly carries himself with that same swagger. This kid could end up being a terror with all the single coverage he’ll end up seeing.