During this week’s NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears built up assets to help construct the future of their franchise.
The Chicago Bears entered the 2019 NFL Draft with the best existing roster they’ve had in recent memory. The only position of need was a kicker capable of a 45-yard field goal that was previously missed. knocking Matt Nagy and the Bears from the playoffs in 2018.
Round #3, Selection #73
DAVID MONTGOMERY, RUNNINGBACK, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADE: “A-“
Montgomery is an impact player who can score from anywhere on the field. He is an athletic back that can create mismatches against the defense in Matt Nagy’s offense. Montgomery ran for 2,362 yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two years and averaged 23 pass receptions throughout his career. He is an effective pass blocker when needed and can find the open area in the flat as an option for Trubisky.
ROUND #4, PICK #126
RILEY RIDLEY, WIDE RECEIVER, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.
GRADE: “B+”
Ridley was a standout receiver at Georgia and had the hands to prove it. At 6-foot-1 and 199 pounds, Ridley amassed 44 receptions for 579 yards and nine touchdowns. His stats at the NFL Combine conflict with Pro Football Focus stats. The combine has him at running a 4.58 40-yard dash with a vertical jump of 30.5 inches. PFF has him at a contested catch percentage of 75. Ridley is a solid receiver and will do well for the Bears.
ROUND #6, PICK #205
DUKE SHELLEY, CORNERBACK, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
GRADE: “B”
Duke Shelley’s senior year started in style and ended in flames. In his first seven games, he dominated with 33 tackles, nine passes defended and three interceptions. The last interception resulted in a torn ligament in his big toe, requiring surgery and keeping him out for the remaining season. The Bears grabbed Shelley in round six and based off of his history, he could be the steal of this draft.
ROUND #7, PICK #226
KERRITH WHYTE, RUNNINGBACK, FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
GRADE: “C+”
Whyte was a change of pace running back at Florida Atlantic to Devin Singletary. Although Singletary had most of the work, no one could dispute the explosive capability of Whyte, who was credited with 134 carries, 866 yards, and eight touchdowns. He also had 10 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Finally, he also returned kicks, averaging 28.7 yards per return with one touchdown. He will likely be in competition for a special teams spot with the Bears.
ROUND #7, PICK #248
STEPHEN DENMARK, DEFENSIVE BACK, VALDOSTA STATE
GRADE: “C+”
Denmark was my sleeper in this draft. He has size (6-foot-3, 212 pounds), speed (4.43 40-yard dash), and superior athletic ability. Denmark is a wide receiver who was converted to cornerback and has only two years experience on defense, yet he looks like he has always played there. I really believe this guy is going to make a big impact in Chicago. He covers well, in press defense he tosses the receivers around and is a sound text book tackler. He reminds me of Albert Lewis when he played for Kansas City. Denmark was, in my eyes, the steal of this draft.
Overall, I think the Bears did a nice job picking up some depth for the roster and adding at least a pair of players who can make an immediate impact. They did, however, fail to come up with a kicker in the draft. Shortly after the draft, the Bears added Emmanuel Hall, WR, Missouri, and John Baron II, Kicker, San Diego State.
