Ryan Pace is trying to piece together the most competitive roster he can for the Chicago Bears. Landing Justin Fields looks like a big win for him, but how long will the good vibes from that last? When looking at the depth chart from top to bottom going into 2021, it’s hard not to feel like this team is deeply flawed. Not only are there serious concerns with the offensive line and cornerbacks, but the Bears also boast the oldest roster in the NFL. Never a good sign.

Part of the reason for this? Their inability to stock up on cheap rookie contracts. This usually comes from an inability to draft well. That is where Pace’s reputation is a divisive topic with fans. While he has his share of hits in recent years, he also has some high-profile whiffs too. Perhaps what stands out the most is how willingly he keeps throwing away future picks in aggressive trades. Doing so can lead to problems.

Problems like the 2019 draft.

The origins of this calamity began a year prior when Pace engineered two of his trademark trades. One was moving up from the 4th round to the 2nd round for wide receiver Anthony Miller. That cost Chicago their 2nd rounder in 2019. Then came the blockbuster for Khalil Mack from the Raiders, which cost them their 1st rounder. When the dust settled, the Bears were left with just five picks in the draft. None of them were in the top 50.

It is hard to find quality talent that way. It also drastically decreased Pace’s margin for error. What followed could prove to be the catalyst for his eventual firing if the Bears disappoint this season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v8_lL4YHm8&ab_channel=ChicagoBears

Ryan Pace couldn’t afford what happened with the 2019 class

David Montgomery (3rd round)

This is far and away the best pick of the draft. Really the only good one given where things stand right now. He better be. Pace traded up to get him. Montgomery had a decent rookie season under tough circumstances but really blossomed in 2020. He rushed for over 1,000 yards despite suspect blocking up front, finishing with 1,508 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. He is one of the two or three best players on the Bears offense. If not for him, what follows here could qualify as one of the worst draft classes in franchise history.

Riley Ridley (4th round)

At the time, several draft experts were shocked Ridley fell to the 4th round. He’d flashed a lot of potential at Georgia thanks to his size and route-running skill. The problem? His explosiveness. Ridley just didn’t have an extra gear. Sadly, that showed up quite often in practice and any time he entered games. The receiver managed just 10 catches for 108 yards in two years, finally getting cut this week. What makes it sting even more? Some good receivers were still on the board when the Bears took him.

• Hunter Renfrow
• Darius Slayton
• Travis Fulgham
• Scott Miller

Ryan Pace has a good track record at a number of positions when it comes to the draft. Wide receiver is not one of them.

Duke Shelley (6th round)

Picks this late are always a crapshoot, so it’s easier to be a little more lenient. That said, this one still stings. Shelley has not looked great in his extended opportunities for the Bears. While he has made the roster again, it isn’t because he played well enough to be anything more than a backup. What makes this sting is a better option was still available. One the Bears actually met with before the draft in Jimmy Moreland of James Madison. He went in the 7th round to Washington and became a solid nickel corner for them the past two years.

Kerrith Whyte Jr. (7th round)

The 7th round in general for the 2019 draft was uneventful. So Ryan Pace won’t get a ton of blame for this. Still, the reason the team drafted Whyte was partly as a running back but also as help for their return game. Instead, they ended up cutting him as a rookie. Their big mistake was not targeting Deonte Harris out of Assumption College. He ended up going undrafted and became an All-Pro returner for the New Orleans Saints.

Stephen Denmark (7th round)

Instead, Pace saved his small school gamble for Denmark. It made some sense. The Valdosta State cornerback was tall, athletic, and had intriguing ball skills. The problem for him was the same as many. He was unproven against top competition. Like Whyte, he didn’t survive final cuts as a rookie. Also like Whyte, there was an undrafted player the Bears could’ve selected with that pick who became a quality contributor in Nick Needham out UTEP. He has two interceptions in each of the past two years with the Miami Dolphins.

Pace’s natural aggression led to all of this. Things might’ve been different if he’d just been more patient. Holding off on the Miller trade would’ve offered a chance to salvage this class. Terry McLaurin and DK Metcalf were both available with the pick the Bears gave up in this draft. This is why, among other reasons, Pace can’t be considered a lock to return in 2022.