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Chicago Bears: Kerrith Whyte is the perfect 7th-round pick

By Sayre Bedinger

BOCA RATON, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Kerrith Whyte Jr. #6 of the Florida Atlantic Owls runs with the ball while being defended by Arthur Williams #25 of the Bethune Cookman Wildcats on September 16, 2017 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. FAU defeated Bethune Cookman 45-0. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Kerrith Whyte Jr. #6 of the Florida Atlantic Owls runs with the ball while being defended by Arthur Williams #25 of the Bethune Cookman Wildcats on September 16, 2017 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. FAU defeated Bethune Cookman 45-0. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bears took speedy running back Kerrith Whyte in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He might be the perfect late-round pick.

It’s hard to hit on seventh-round picks in the NFL Draft.

The Chicago Bears, however, took a shot on a player who should be the ideal type of player to take in that particular round in the 2019 NFL Draft.

That player is Florida Atlantic running back Kerrith Whyte, a mostly unknown in the draft community who put himself on the map with absolutely blazing speed in the 40-yard dash (4.37) and unreal numbers at his pro day in general.

Whyte had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage this past season for FAU and 10 total touchdowns including eight on the ground and two as a receiver.

Because Whyte’s speed is so unique, he has a great chance of sticking on the Bears’ roster.

Now, the seventh round should not be strictly reserved for speed, but the Bears had such a limited number of draft picks and they found a guy in round seven with multiple return touchdowns, a great final season at FAU, and elite athleticism.

He also posted an absurd 42-inch vertical jump and 11-foot broad jump.

If you’re looking at guys sitting there in round seven, what is the success rate anyway? Why not pick guys who can bring one elite trait to two areas of your team?

The Bears got a player here who could contribute as a gadget player in their offense as well as be a primary return specialist. He is also probably the fastest player they have on that side of the ball now.

Speed doesn’t always translate to on-field success, but if you want a reason to get excited about a seventh-round pick, why not take a shot on an offensive playmaker with elite traits?

It makes plenty of sense.

You can always strike gold every once in a while, but the success rate of athletes like this has to be a lot higher than taking a shot on a QB here, or a backup lineman on either side of the ball, or a player who is simply going to get drowned out in a crowded position group.

2019 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams. dark. Next

Go for the elite traits, go for playmakers, and use those seventh-round picks to take more calculated risks.

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