Brooks believes not only did the Bears win the division in regards to that draft, but had one of the best in the entire league.
“Don’t let the Bears’ 3-13 record detract from the outstanding performance of their emerging young nucleus. Fueled by the surprising play of Jordan Howard as the team’s RB1, Chicago’s offense started to make strides as a smashmouth unit. The hard-charging runner churned out 1,313 rushing yards and six touchdowns as a surprise starter. Howard also added 29 receptions for 298 yards and another score. Cody Whitehair played a role in the running back’s success as a rugged blocker at the point of attack. On defense, Leonard Floyd showed promise as a dynamic pass rusher off the edge. If he can avoid injuries and stay on the field, he could be a difference maker on a defense that’s beginning to make strides. GRADE: A-“
The bulk of success for this class, which could be the best in over a decade for Chicago, centers around three names. Of course there is first round pick Leonard Floyd. A linebacker out of Georgia, the Bears traded up from #11 to #9 to get him. It was felt his speed and athleticism were the thing missing from their pass rush. They were right. Floyd notched seven sacks and helped make the front seven lethal when on the field.
Then there was second round pick Cody Whitehair. Perhaps the best pick of the draft due in large part to the fact that the Bears got him after they traded down twice. A left tackle in college at Kansas State, it was felt he could successfully make the switch to guard. An injury to teammate Hroniss Grasu however forced him to shift to center, a position he’d never played before. That didn’t stop him from making the All-Rookie team.
The biggest story of the group though was of course fifth round pick Jordan Howard. Many felt the Indiana product should’ve gone earlier, but injury concerns and one good year of production made teams shy away. It would prove to be their loss. Despite barely playing in his first three games, Howard ended up rushing for 1,313 yards. Second most in the NFL and earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl.
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Even beyond those three the Bears got some quality contributions out of other picks. Nick Kwiatkoski (4th round) showed steady improvement at inside linebacker in place of the injured Danny Trevathan. Young corner Deiondre Hall (4th round) had some flash plays in coverage before health became an issue in the second half of the season. Jonathan Bullard (3rd round) started slow but seemed to pick things up late in the year at defensive end.
There is still plenty of room for this group to grow. Maybe that’s the most exciting part for the Bears moving forward, and the most discouraging for the rivals.
