The 2020 NFL Draft has wrapped, and there are plenty of opinions around the NFL landscape surrounding all 32 teams. Although the consensus reaction surrounding the Packers’ draft was that it was abysmal, which certainly makes Bears fans happy.
There’s been a more positive reaction about the Bears’ 2020 draft class. While it’s far too early to start handing out grades for these draft picks, we just can’t help ourselves. And the same goes for everyone else.
Chicago has earned everything from a B+ to a D+ for their early draft class grades, a clear indication that these grades don’t mean anything at this point. Still, it’ll make for a good story a few years down the line — or a nightmare depending on the draft class.
The Bears earned a B+ grade from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter for their 2020 draft class — a B+ for Day 2 and A- for Day 3.
The Bears’ first-round pick this year was held by the Raiders as part of the deal for sackmaster Khalil Mack. They found a talented tight end in Kmet (whom I like more than most), though the pick gives them an absurd amount of depth at the position. Johnson was a good pick later in the second round, as well. Gipson is an underrated player who offered solid value in the fifth round. Vildor has many fans across the league. Hambright is an intriguing prospect with great upside for a seventh-round pick.
While the Bears didn’t have a first-round pick, they still have one of the best players in Khalil Mack leading their top-tier defense. Although, with the selection of Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet, Reuter mistakes “absurd amount of depth” at tight end. There are only three tight ends that are locks for the roster right now — Kmet, Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris. The others will be battling for a roster spot and will likely find themselves on the chopping block.
Chicago addressed some needs on defense with the selections of Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who the Bears envision leading the Bears cornerbacks alongside Kyle Fuller for the future. Tulsa edge rusher Trevis Gipson is another underrated player that the Bears nabbed in the fifth-round, and he has all the tools to develop into a contributor down the line.
Sure, the Bears didn’t make a big splash in the 2020 NFL Draft — they only had two picks in the first four rounds. But considering what they were working with — five late-round picks — the Bears addressed some needs and got some possible steals in this draft.
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