Prominent draft expert Mel Kiper handed out his annual grades for every team’s new rookie crop. The 2019 Chicago Bears draft class faced an uphill battle for any sort of recognition. They only made five picks in total with none coming in the 1st or 2nd round. Just how good of a group could they possibly put together?
Well GM Ryan Pace certainly gave it his best effort. In the 3rd round, he traded up from #87 to #73 with the Patriots, giving up the Bears’ 5th round pick in 2019 and a 4th in 2020 to select Iowa State running back David Montgomery. Most experts had him as the second best back in the draft, drawing comparisons to Kareem Hunt and Michael Turner.
Next, in the 4th round, they secured Georgia wide receiver Riley Ridley, considered one of the best route runners in the draft. He was followed in the 6th and 7th rounds by K-State corner Duke Shelley, speedy FAU running back Kerrith Whyte, and giant Valdosta State corner Stephen Denmark.
So what did Kiper think of Pace’s work?
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2019 Chicago Bears draft class earns favorable marks from Kiper
While Kiper did admit it’s difficult to get a full appreciation of the Bears’ class because of how few picks they made, it’s important to remember one key factor. What they sacrificed in high picks ended up helping them land two key players for their future in Anthony Miller and Khalil Mack.
“Chicago Bears: B+
This draft class is Khalil Mack. Simple as that. And do you think Bears fans are OK with that? I do. Chicago went 12-4 under new coach Matt Nagy last season, thanks to a dominant defense led by Mack…
…So keep that in mind when you see that Chicago didn’t pick until No. 73, where it landed running back David Montgomery, a bulldozer at 222 pounds. With Jordan Howard gone, expect Montgomery to get early touches here, and keep an eye on Kerrith Whyte Jr (No. 222), who sat behind Devin Singletary at FAU but is a stellar return man. Riley Ridley (No. 126) is an excellent route runner, not unlike his brother, Calvin, though Ridley isn’t as explosive. That’s a solid value pick and a guy who could help Mitchell Trubisky.”
By the look of things, the Bears got themselves two players who could start right away in Montgomery and Ridley. Both are talented and polished coming out of college and shouldn’t have too much trouble adjusting to the NFL level. Given that neither was taken in the top 50 selections, that’s rather impressive.
As for the rest, all have significant athletic upside and things they can offer the team in the long-term. That is typically what you want from late round picks. Pace said he felt motivated to produce a good class despite difficult circumstances. It seems he’s delivered.
