Chicago Bears: Grading the 2018 offseason through four games

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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Linebacker Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears tackles wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

THE DRAFT

Roquan Smith (ILB, Georgia): B

No training camp? No preseason? No problem. Smith waded through a prolonged contract holdout and missing most of the important offseason work and was still starting by the second week of the season. His first NFL play was a sack and he’s become a consistent presence in their #2 ranked run defense. He’s beginning to look like everything they were hoping for.

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James Daniels (OL, Iowa): C+

This grade isn’t necessarily a reflection of bad play. It’s more a lack of knowledge. Daniels didn’t get a chance to play until the Buccaneers game when he rotated with Eric Kush at left guard for a number of series. He performed well in limited opportunities, which is a welcome sign.

Anthony Miller (WR, Memphis): B

The shoulder injury was an unfortunate setback for Miller who’d really been starting to play well in the first three weeks. One can imagine he was upset he didn’t get in on the fun against Tampa Bay. That aside, there were plenty of signs to reinforce the belief he has a bright future in Chicago.

Joel Iyiegbuniwe (ILB, Western Kentucky): INC

In the preseason there were glimpses of what the Bears grew to love in “Iggy” coming out of college. His mixture of size and speed at linebacker were hard to miss. Still, he hasn’t played a snap yet on defense so it’s difficult to assign him any sort of grade.

Bilal Nichols (DT, Delaware): A

A lot of people didn’t know who Nichols was when he got drafted. They’re learning fast. The defensive lineman has gotten more and more action as the weeks go on and continues to make plays. His half sack and multiple tackles for loss don’t tell half the story of how good he’s been.

Kylie Fitts (OLB, Utah): INC

Not every draft pick is going to see the field right away. Such is the case for Fitts. It looked like he might get early action but circumstances changed right before the season, and that’s probably best. He flashed interesting pass rush talent but it’s clear he has work to do.

Javon Wims (WR, Georgia): INC

He was the shining star of the preseason, showcasing some serious ability as a pass catcher with a mix of size and speed. Wims has a bright future in Chicago once he figures out how to play the position properly. He just hasn’t gotten his chance yet.

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