Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has had his share of hits and misses in the NFL Draft during his five-year tenure.
Pace has struggled to succeed with first-round picks, including receiver Kevin White, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. But Pace has been good in the later rounds, where he’s gotten some absolute steals in the draft.
But who has been Pace’s best pick since he joined the Bears in 2015?
There’s an argument to be made for All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson, who Pace stole in the fourth round. Players like nose tackle Eddie Goldman (second round), running back Jordan Howard (fifth round) and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (fourth round) could also be in the running.
But NFL.com’s Charley Casserly believes that Pace’s last first-round selection, linebacker Roquan Smith, was his best pick.
He is the complete package as a linebacker who has the speed to cover sideline to sideline, excelling vs. the run.
Already, Smith is showing that he has a bright future at inside linebacker for the Bears. Smith has 155 total tackles, seven sacks, seven passes defensed and two interceptions in two seasons. Smith was playing some of his best football before suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Casserly also noted that, as far as best value picks go, offensive lineman Cody Whitehair (second round) was another great selection by Pace.
He is a smart player who can make the calls for the unit. Most importantly, he hasn’t missed a start since he was drafted.
Whitehair has been a reliable player on the offensive line, where he earned a second contract with the Bears. He’s been flexible, playing center, left guard and right guard at times during his five-year career.
The Bears are once again without a first-round pick for the second year in a row, although they do own a pair of second-round selections. Considering Pace has had more success in the later rounds, maybe it’s a good thing that five of Chicago’s seven picks come in the fifth round or later.
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