Bears Draft Grade
I know I’m a little late with this, but I did all the research I could on the players Phil Emery chose in the draft and here are my grades.
1st round: Shea McClellin DE/LB Boise St. This one had me highly upset, with Chandler Jones, Whitney Mercilus, and Donta Hightower still available they pick this guy. Alot of things scare me about this pick and this guy. First, what is he, an undersized DE or an oversized LB? Second, where do you play him? DE or LB? Third, and try to stay with me on this. What wears #92, supposedly good at everything not great at one thing, has a history of concussions, and plays for the Bears?? Hunter Hillenmeyer and Shea McClellin. It’s also rumored that Green Bay wanted him and if that’s true, and this was a “cock block” on Green Bay, then this is by far the dumbest pick to make because a 3-4 LB doesn’t make for a good 4-3 DE. On the brighter side the kid has a high motor and is an intelligent player, he’s versatile he can rush, play the run, drop into coverage and is eerily similar to Trace Armstrong. Maybe with Rod Marinelli coaching him he can be worth of the first round selection. Grade C+/B-
2nd round: Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina. I liked this pick, Jeffery is another perfect complement to Brandon Marshall and Earl Bennett. At 6’4 220lbs he is a big target with great hands, he also has great speed for his size. He can’t be caught by your average LB and will use his height and body to catch passes over DB in the league. His work ethic and weight fluctuation had caused his stock to drop, and in the film I’ve watched he doesn’t run crisp routes. However with the right coaching and the Bears leadership I think he will fit in just fine with the Bears. Grade B+
3rd round: Brandon Hardin S Oregon State. Wouldn’t be a Bears draft if no safety was picked. This pick was a stretch and it probably could have waited until the 4th round, but I see why the Bears jumped at this kid. At 6-2, 220lbs with 4.4 speed this guy is perfect for the Calvin Johnson’s and Greg Jenning’s of our division and league. He suffered injuries including a broken shoulder that sidelined him his last season, but this kid bounced back in a big way and made a big impression in his pro-day. He’s also a big-hitter with corner skills and has no problem with man coverage. My biggest problem is Bears coaching, we had a kid like this in Daniel Manning and kept shuffling him around never letting him settle into one position. They eventually gave up on him and now he’s flourishing in Houston. Coach him up or waste his talent. Grade C
4th round: Evan Rodriguez TE Temple. This pick was a waste, at 6’1, 240lbs he’s small in terms of TE and he’s not a Greg Olsen as far as being a polished receiver. He is however good across the board, particularly at blocking on the move and blocking moving targets. Shedding his blocks will be difficult and with him leading a Matt Forte HB Screen pass will almost guarantee extra yards. He’s an OK receiver, but he lacks in size and is taken down to easily in my opinion. With his off the field issues he will have to mature, but he will contribute on special teams but with other pressing needs on the team this is one pick I want back. Grade D
6th round: Isaiah Frey DB Nevada. WHO???? Had no idea who this kid was when he was announced, but this late in the draft it’s to be expected. Physically he got the goods, but skill wise he did well against lesser competition. At this point in the draft all I can come up with for this pick is that Phil Emery was drafting players that will come in to bolster our special teams unit and maybe have the opportunity to compete for a starting job. I like his size and speed and if they can coach him up those intangibles will be a big asset to the Bears. Grade C
7th round: Greg McCoy DB TCU. Another WHO???? moment. This is another Phil Emery special teams move, this one a kick returner which isn’t a bad move considering the loss of Johnny Knox so hopefully that dual threat on kickoffs will be more potent than ever. Grade C
