Part of being successful in the NFL draft is luck. General managers need to have good evaluations, sure. However, sometimes, the good fortune of timing and mistakes by other teams drops a really good player into your lap. The Chicago Bears have been the beneficiary of these moments from time to time. It was shocking they managed to land Brian Urlacher with the 9th pick in 2000 and Greg Olsen with the 31st pick in 2007. GM Ryan Poles would argue he got some of that good fortune when Rome Odunze fell to the Bears at #9 last year. Time will tell on that.
Now it appears some in the draft community think Poles might have another shocking twist coming his way. According to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, there is serious momentum for the possibility that disruptive Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham might slip down the board. Most have him as one of the top five prospects in this class based on his excellent tape. However, despite his obvious ability to create havoc in the backfield, his average size, length and power have many nervous about taking him that high.
Ryan Poles could totally change his defensive front with Graham.
As of now, the Bears don’t have a true gap-shooter for their defensive line. Gervon Dexter may play that role at three-technique, but he doesn’t have the quickness or lower body explosion needed for it. Graham does. He was a nightmare for opponents to deal with during Michigan’s national championship run. His performance against Ohio State helped spark their march to the title. Despite having just 3.5 sacks, he was credited with 34 pressures last season. That is insane disruption for a defensive tackle.
Often, the smart thing to do for any GM is don’t overthink it. If you’re certain you are getting a good player, even if he may not have elite physical traits, take him. The NFL is littered with standout performers who were never the cream of the crop in the athleticism department. Graham is another of those types. He has enough to do the job. If Ryan Poles can somehow grab him with the 10th pick, the Bears defense instantly becomes far tougher to deal with.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
No Barry, we may not hearing you complaining about Graham or Hunter
But you complain about everything else under the sun on here and when you’re done, you go to other websites and complain. Mr. Mad Max.
If either Graham or Travis Hunter is somehow there at 1.10, then I guess you take them. I still like the offensive guard from Alabama more at 1.10 but you wouldn’t hear me complaining about either Graham or Hunter instead.
This article is true! Poles is best (though not perfect) when things fall on his big lap, including all the little hyenas where they snuggle and keep warm with other organic playthings.
Sorry mom and dad, but the simple authoritarian bullies had it coming on SM. Please forgive me for not being so totally perfect as usual.
If he’s there he will get picked. Graham would make the need for another top DE less pressing. Push up the middle would be a big help to a speedy Booker on the outside. Graham has the drive and effort that Carter lacks. Watch the SB again and see how slow off the ball Carter was. Big body…little brain. He got handled by Smith all game.Williams for Philly looked much better.
Average size and length blah blah blah. The dude can play