The Full Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Draft Report Card

The Chicago Bears 2017 NFL draft report card is officially in. Each player will receive a rundown and a letter grade. That grade will be determined by a variety of factors. How big a need they fill, the talent level they possess and whether they were worth the spot they were selected. Be prepared for a few surprises along the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE_OKBiSBBs&t=324s

Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)

North Carolina has been good to Chicago in the past with Michael Jordan being the headliner. This of course is a whole different animal. Mitch Trubisky comes in with a somewhat odd reputation. While experts loved his production in 2016 with 3,748 yards, 30 touchdowns and four interceptions they can't get over the fact he only started 13 games in his college career. The talent is definitely there but there is a lingering fear he jumped to the NFL before he was ready.

Grade:  B+

The Bears NEEDED a quarterback. There is no getting around this fact. Mike Glennon was never the long-term answer and anybody who thought different was wrong. His contract setup proved that. Trubisky was the most capable QB in the class. It was the absolute right decision to take him. Chicago would've gotten an A for that decision, but because of his experience concerns and the fact they gave up two valuable third round picks to trade up for him, they'll have to settle for this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhRIFpjRaU4

Adam Shaheen (TE, Ashland)

When drafting a player out of Division II football, it's imperative that the young man dominate his competition at that level. Shaheen, to his credit did just that. Between 2015 and 2016 he crushed defenses for Ashland with a combined 1,670 yards and 26 touchdowns. Not only is he big at 6'6", 280 lbs but he also has remarkable play speed. A former basketball standout with that salivating combination of size, hands and athleticism.

Grade:  B-

Why the Bears took Shaheen is perfectly understood and accepted. They badly needed new blood at tight end. Zach Miller is 33-years old and injury prone. Dion Sims is a quality blocker. Shaheen offers the team a legitimate pass target with a world of upside at the position. The low grade comes from the fact he's inexperienced against top competition and a bit more raw than a second round pick should be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvIpish0llU

Eddie Jackson (S, Alabama)

It's a tragedy that Eddie Jackson broke his leg last season. The young safety was on his way to possibly becoming a first round pick. That's how well he was playing at the time. The former corner-turned-safety was one of the top ball hawks in college football over the past two seasons with seven interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in 23 games. He was the MVP of the 2015 national championship game and also scored twice on punt returns.

Grade:  A

In terms of value this was the best pick of the draft for Chicago. If not for the freak injury Jackson was a second rounder at least. So to get a potential robber for the secondary, something this defense has needed so badly for years, in the fourth round is outstanding value. He's athletic, instinctive and a leader too. He was the one who got teammates lined up before the snap during games. Just a solid pick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZvHazVKsco

Tarik Cohen (RB, North Carolina A&T)

It's hard to get noticed by the NFL when one stands barely 5'6". Size can mean everything to some teams, but not in this case. Tarik Cohen was such an electric playmaker for North Carolina A&T that he overcame the lack of inches to become a fourth round pick. Teams are already comparing him to Darren Sproles, another undersized runner who used speed, quickness and agility to create an encyclopedia's worth of highlights. Cohen had over 3,000 yards rushing and 34 touchdowns his final two years of college. Not too shabby.

Grade:  B+

People will say he can't be a full-time back. Well that's not why he was drafted. The Bears already have that with Jordan Howard. Cohen is exactly what they needed in terms of a specialist back who can compliment the Pro Bowler with his speed and versatility. It's clear that if the Bears can get him in space, he'll create big plays. His size does knock the grade down a bit, but the proven production and upside make it a sneaky good pick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3pYSYjxfzY

Jordan Morgan (OG, Kutztown)

The story behind former left tackle Jordan Morgan is pretty amazing, and impressive. He actually didn't start playing football until the middle of his senior year of high school. Obviously that didn't draw much attention, so he walked on at Kutztown. He got a scholarship and became a starter for the next four years. Now the big and powerful blocker is a fifth round pick in the NFL draft. That's a shocking rise to prominence.

Grade:  C

A few things work against Morgan here. The fact he's coming from Division II, which is always dangerous. Then there's the fact that he'll be switch to guard. While that's not a bad thing, the fact is the Bears really weren't pressing for help at that position. If anything guard might be the most settled spot on the roster. In taking him the team passed on some decent cornerbacks and edge rusher that were still available. Players who might actually see the field in 2017. Morgan likely won't, assuming Josh Sitton and Kyle Long stay healthy.