Chicago Bears NFL Draft Picks 2020: Round-by-Round Results, Grades
The Chicago Bears were unable to improve in their second season under Matt Nagy's leadership. Despite a 3-1 start, the Bears went on an early-season four-game losing streak and were unable to recover. They were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15 and finished the season 8-8.
In 2019, Chicago's draft was highlighted by the third-round selection of running back David Montgomery as the Iowa State product became the team's starter by the end of the season. Montgomery, however, was the team's first draft pick in 2019. Between rounds four through seven, the club draft wide receiver Riley Ridley, cornerback Duke Shelley, running back Kerrith Whyte and cornerback Stephen Denmark.
Everything You Need to Know About the NFL Draft: Sign up for Sports Illustrated’s newsletters and get complete NFL Draft coverage and analysis -- delivered right to your inbox.
According to the MMQB's NFC North team needs, the Bears might want to target a dynamic wide receiver to play opposite Allen Robinson, but a number of potential impact cornerbacks and safeties should also be available in the early rounds.
The Bears enter the draft without a first-round pick, but they do have two early second-round selections. A full list of Chicago's picks will be updated below as the draft progresses.
Round 2, No. 43 overall: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Andy Benoit's analysis: In part due to injuries, things never fully worked out with intriguing 2018 free agent signing Trey Burton, who was recently released. And 2017 second-rounder Adam Shaheen officially became a bust last season when he too often failed to get on the field ahead of low-pedigreed, workman tight ends like Ben Braunecker and J.P. Holtz. Kmet is as classic a tight end as you’ll see, which allows recently signed veteran Jimmy Graham to play more of a receiving role. And don’t be surprised if the Bears go with more three-tight end sets this season. Creative offensive architect Matt Nagy understands that those packages make a defense slower and more predictable, and with ex-Chief Demetrius Harris already aboard, Kmet now gives this team three tight ends who can align almost anywhere as receivers. Grade: A-
Round 2, No. 50 overall: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Andy Benoit's analysis: Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano likes to bring pressure and/or employ Cover 4, where each defensive back plays match-zone in a deep quarter of the field. Those match-zones require sound man coverage technique, and most blitzes, because of how quickly they force the ball out, demand straight man coverage on the back end. And so it was critical that Chicago find a talented specimen to slide into the right corner spot that was vacated by Prince Amukamara’s release. Johnson has the assertive, physical press coverage acumen to fill the role nicely. Grade: A
Round 5, No. 155 overall: Trevis Gipson, DE, Tulsa
Round 5, No. 163 overall: Kindle Vildore, CB, Georgia Southern
Round 5, No. 173 overall: Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
Round 7, No. 226 overall: Arlington Hambright, G, Colorado
Round 7, No. 227 overall: Lachavious Simmons, G, Tennessee State
