The
Chicago Bears knew their problems of late all centered around the same thing. An inability by the front office to consistently draft quality talent. Between 2009 and 2014, the organization went through some of the worst drafting in franchise history. That is the mess 37-year old GM Ryan Pace inherited when he took over in 2015.
He knew it would take time and hard work to fix. None of it would come easy. First and foremost he had to start drafting good players. His first attempt has met with a lot of disappointment, mostly brought on by injuries.
Kevin White,
Eddie Goldman and
Hroniss Grasu all failed to finish their second year healthy.
Some were starting to wonder if Pace was in over his head. A fair assumption given his youth. Then the 2016 season happened, and for the first time people saw just how keen an eye for talent the young executive may have. If you don't trust the tape, then trust those who have watched this game for decades.
Parade of Studs
Next to the Associated Press, there is no more widely respected opinion in the media regarding the NFL than the Pro Football Writers of America. They've selected winners of every major league award going back decades from MVP to Coach of the Year. Another honor that garners lots of attention is who makes up their annual All-Rookie team.
With the 2016 season almost at an end, the final selections are in at every position. Suffice to say that looking across the roster, Pace more than did the job in his second year running the organization.
https://twitter.com/PFWAwriters/status/821419631411941376
Getting one or two names on this list would be constituted as a success for a franchise. To think Chicago got
three is beyond impressive. Not to mention exciting for the future. This could mean big things are around the corner for the Bears if those prospects continue to grow as expected.
Leonard Floyd was the first round pick last April. The Bears traded up from #11 to #9 in order to select him. After a slow start hampered by injuries, the Georgia outside linebacker exploded for 6.5 sacks in five games. It was a proper showcase of the explosive athleticism that makes him so dangerous moving forward.
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Cody Whitehair was an offensive tackle out of Kansas State who fell into their laps late in the second round. This after Pace traded down twice, no less. Given his advanced technique, athleticism and toughness it was felt he'd make a perfect candidate for center. Despite never starting at the position before, Whitehair became the sixth-highest rated center in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus and the only interior lineman who started every game.
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Then of course there is
Jordan Howard. A fifth round flier out of Indiana, he arrived as a big running back who was expected to become a quality backup to
Jeremy Langford. Just four games into the season he emerged as the starter. By the time he was finished, he'd rampaged through the league for 1, 313 yards. Good for second-most in the league. He is the teams' only Pro Bowl selection.
Not bad at all.
