Chicago Bears Draft Grades
How did the Bears do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Chicago Bears draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No.11 Overall) QB, Justin Fields
The Bears jumped on the opportunity to move up and draft the Ohio State QB. I think they did a good job moving up to get a potential franchise quarterback, and they did so without jumping too early. Many had them trading up even further, but they managed to wait till number 11. My concern is that Nagy and company will not be able to develop him or build a system to help him excel. This young man has all the tools, but needs proper development. Grade A-
Round 2 (No.39 Overall) OT, Teven Jenkins
The front office once again saw the guy they wanted, and they went and got him. And I love this pick. Jenkins should have been a first rounder, so the value here is tremendous. In order for this draft to be as good as it looks, these first two picks will have to excel because the brass gave up a decent amount to bring them in. The Bears have already released Charles Leno, so Jenkins may get the nod at LT. Grade A
Round 5 (No.151 Overall) OT, Larry Borom
After no picks in the third or fourth round, the Bears once again return to addressing a feeble offensive line. Borom played well at Missouri, but is more developmental. I really like him at this point in the draft though, and he may develop into a quality starter with proper coaching. I love his nastiness, and all the tools are there, but will the coaching staff get the most out of him? Grade B
Round 6 (No.217 Overall) RB, Khalil Herbert
Picking up a back like Herbert from Virginia Tech in the sixth is a good pick. A position that continues to be devalued, yet still has importance. Herbert is known for his power, but he is slippery elusive for a power back. Along with Montgomery and Cohen, the Bears have a solid trio. Grade B+
Round 6 (No.221 Overall) WR, Dazz Newsome
Dyami Brown overshadowed Newsome at North Carolina, but Newsome is no slouch. He is a game breaker with the ball in his hands. He works well in the screen game and RPO game as well. I think he will fit well in the offense of the future in Chicago with Fields. To get a potential home run hitter with Newsome’s speed and special teams skills this late is an elite Day 3 pick. Grade A
Round 6 (No.228 Overall) CB, Thomas Graham Jr
Graham was solid at Oregon in 2018 and 2019, but opted out in 2020 and I believe that hurt his stock. Had he played, he is most likely a Day 2 pick. Once again, a great late round pick for the Bears. Graham may develop into a starter early in his career. Why do the Chicago Bears even need early picks? Grade A-
Round 7 (No.250 Overall) DT, Khyiris Tonga
The big man from BYU is a perfect fit for the Bears 3-4 defense. He should stick on the roster as a rotational depth piece. Tonga is incredibly strong, and will eat up blockers at the line allowing the linebackers to roam free. He also posses a bit of pass rush, which is needed in today’s NFL. Roquan Smith will approve of this pick. Grade B+
Analyst-Ken Noble
Overall Grade A-
