The Chicago Bears 2023 draft class is completed. In total, GM Ryan Poles added ten more players to the team’s suddenly very young roster. He also added size and athleticism. There were plenty of surprises over the past three days. People were happy. People were disappointed. That is how the draft usually goes. The question is whether Poles did a good job or not. To get a grasp on his approach, I’ve decided to do a report card with snap grades for every pick.
Every pick will be graded on the quality of talent, whether they bring value based on draft slot, and if they can plug a key need for the team. Here is the rundown.
Chicago Bears 2023 draft class isn’t flashy but there’s substance.
1st Round: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Grade: A
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The Bears sorely needed an immediate solution at right tackle. They not only got the best one in the draft but arguably the best offensive lineman overall. Some will say he went earlier than he should’ve. No, he didn’t. Wright is big, strong, long, and athletic. He was an excellent pass protector last year in college football’s best conference. The guy can start immediately and has the ceiling to become a perennial Pro Bowler.
2nd Round: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
Grade: C+
From an athletic standpoint, Dexter is frightening. He is 6’6, 310 lbs, and has 4.88 speed. That isn’t manufactured either. It shows on tape. His closing burst is scary. The issue is his production doesn’t reflect those capabilities. Right now, he seems more like a run-plugger than anything else. However, it’s possible his coaching staff never utilized him properly. So his upside is significant.
2nd Round: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Grade: B+
If the Bears hadn’t traded up for him, this might be an A. Stevenson is a terrific athlete with good size. He plays with tons of hustle and intensity, showing a physical side not always common in corners. His ball skills improved steadily over the past two years. He’ll have to improve his awareness in zone coverage, but there are many things to like about this young man. He can start immediately.
3rd Round: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
Grade: B
Another strong, stout run defender that was misused in college. Pickens always flashed interior pass rush skills but wasn’t turned loose often enough. He’s got power and length, along with more than enough burst to penetrate the backfield. His versatility is a big selling point, having the skill set to play nose and three-technique. Few schemes utilize that better than the Chicago Bears’ under Matt Eberflus.
4th Round: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Grade: A
Make no mistake. If Johnson hadn’t been stuck behind Bijan Robinson at Texas, he likely would’ve gone early on Day 2 of the draft. He’s big, strong, athletic, and versatile. His pass-protection skills are a huge addition to the Bears. He also has receiving skills too. It wouldn’t be a shock if he was their starting running back by 2024. Best of all, literally everyone raves about his character and leadership.
4th Round: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Grade: A
Being 5’10 and 177 lbs makes it difficult for teams to buy into you. However, Scott played bigger than his size in college and managed to overcome some rough quarterback issues last year. He did that with outstanding speed, sharp route-running skills, and deceptive yard-after-catch ability. The Bears found a perfect marriage with him and Justin Fields and, frankly, got him at a discount.
5th Round: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Grade: B
There was a point in time Sewell was considered the best linebacker in the country. He may not have great speed, but he’s a good athlete. His ability to accelerate downhill to make tackles and blitz the quarterback are big advantages to his game. The weakness in coverage is what knocks down his grade. Teams are likely going to pick on him if he’s left out there against modern tight ends. Still, he’s smart and violent.
5th Round: Terell Smith, CB, Minnesota
Grade: A
It’s hard not to like Smith as a pure football player. He is far nastier in play style than most corners. Better still, he has the frame (6’0, 200) to make a living that way. He’s also a great athlete with plenty of speed. The one thing he could use some work on is takeaways. He let too many opportunities slip away in college. Regardless, this young man can play. Smith should be an immediate hit on special teams.
7th Round: Travis Bell, DT, Kennesaw State
Grade: D
This isn’t meant as disrespect to the kid. Bell is the first player ever from his college to get drafted. He’s got athletic upside and is strong despite his shorter frame. The truth is he wasn’t overly productive and played his entire career against lesser competition. The jump he has to make to play in the NFL is significant. It doesn’t help that the Chicago Bears 2023 draft class already added two defensive tackles earlier. This one felt unnecessary.
7th Round: Kendall Williamson, S, Stanford
Grade: C+
Depth at safety was an understated need for the Bears. So was special teams help. They got both with this pick. Williamson fits their dimensions. He’s a big guy with a well-proportioned frame and good closing speed. He is at his best when allowed to play downhill around the line of scrimmage. That is reflected in his 11 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. His coverage ability isn’t great, but his special teams value is.
