There were plenty of stars in the Chicago Bears’ mauling of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. A game that was particularly sweet because it gave the team their first 12-4 or better record since 2006 while also ending the playoff hopes of their second-biggest rival. This just two weeks after doing the same to their biggest rival. Akiem Hicks, Jordan Howard, and Mitch Trubisky may have led the way but it was the 2018 Bears draft class that stood out.
Seriously, it’s amazing how many quality contributions this team has gotten from that crop of selections this year. It seems rather fitting that they were the ones who helped lay the groundwork for claiming the first victory in Minnesota’s fabled dome for the Bears since 2011. Not to mention clinching the ninth win in 10 games.
Just have a look at how six of their seven picks proved instrumental to the beatdown in varying ways.
- Roquan Smith – 6 tackles
- James Daniels – No sacks allowed. Helped Jordan Howard rush for over 100 yards
- Anthony Miller – Key run in the 1st quarter to sustain opening TD drive
- Joel Iyiegbuniwe – Two tackles (forced a fumble but a penalty wiped it out)
- Bilal Nichols – Sacked Kirk Cousins once and hit him twice more
- Javon Wims – Four catches for 32 yards (2 for key 1st downs on decisive drive of game)
2018 Bears draft class proving to be loaded with likely future starters
A typical draft for a team that would be considered good is one that delivers 2-3 future starters for the roster and then maybe a couple of solid special teams contributors. Early signs would seem to indicate GM Ryan Pace may have hit a home run for the second consecutive season. After landing two Pro Bowlers and an alternate in 2017, it would appear he’s secured at least four quality starters for his team in 2018.
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Smith is already a Pro Bowl alternate with even better years ahead. Daniels has cemented his place at left guard for the next 8-10 years given he’s only 21. Miller has seven touchdown catches and could be a lot better in the near future if he can stay healthy. Nichols has produced four sacks in a reserve role and played well against the run too. He could easily step into a starting role as early as next season.
As for Iyiegbuniwe? He’s already established himself as a core special teams player, leading the third phase in tackles. His athleticism and speed could end up putting him in a starting role down the line if he continues to ascend. Wims also looks like a playmaker they will unveil more and more going into next season.
There is a lot of talent and upside in this group and they’re still just scratching the surface of how good or even great they can be. It’s an exciting thing to watch.
