The Chicago Bears draft grades for Day 2 have a lot to live up to. It was going to be hard for Ryan Pace and his staff to top the first round. Though they didn’t make any sort of crafty trade, they landed what many consider to be a stud in Roquan Smith at #8 overall. He’ll become the new quarterback of their defense. A roving inside linebacker who doesn’t give ball carriers any respite.
Pace knew going into the second round he couldn’t let his foot off the gas. He’s always been a man driven by acquiring the best players available. Did that hold true again? Initial impressions are that it did. While he failed to fill the teams’ biggest need at edge rusher, Pace added two players to the roster who should be instant contributors on offense. Mitch Trubisky was and remains the Bears’ main priority.
Nothing wrong with that. So how did they make out when the dust finally settled?
CHICAGO BEARS DRAFT GRADES: DAY 2
James Daniels (OL, Iowa): A
Talent is not the only thing that goes into a successful draft grade. Sure, it’s most important but so is value. Being able to secure a talent later than he probably should’ve been drafted is the ideal scenario. That is why Daniels earns an A. The Iowa center was a first round talent on almost every draft board. Most expected him to go somewhere in the late teens to twenties range. The Bears ended up getting him at #39 in the second.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
.@ChicagoBears #JamesDaniels is a natural center and Is only 20 years old. Still getting stronger. Love his movement. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/vHR4Vn3nEy
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 27, 2018
Concerns lingered over some nagging injuries he played through last year. That’s likely what dropped him. It certainly wasn’t the tape. Daniels shows quickness, technique and underrated power at center. He generates movement on contact and shows the awareness to find his blocks as they come. The fact he’s still just 20-years old and not fully developed yet makes it even better.
Giving him to a coach like Harry Hiestand is like giving a sniper a clear view with no wind.
Anthony Miller (WR, Memphis): B+
Pace does not have the best track record when it comes to drafting wide receivers. Kevin White looks like a major bust. Daniel Braverman never amounted to much. It’s forced the Bears to rely on veteran free agents with minimal success so far. This year it seems the GM was hellbound to get that monkey off his back. So he gave up a 2nd round pick in 2019 to jump from #105 to #51 to select Memphis standout Anthony Miller.
Start doing your fantasy homework before the NFL Draft: There are a ton of 2nd – 3rd round WRs who will walk into the league as major contributors. Anthony Miller is one from Memphis. He can break ankles pic.twitter.com/robbF7dGV2
— Crow Worthy (@CrowWorthy) April 19, 2018
Though he had a foot issue last season and is going to turn 24 this year, Miller is a huge favorite of many experts around the league. They see visions of Antonio Brown and Steve Smith watching him on film. Everything from the quick feet, acceleration, strong hands and after-the-catch running ability. He’s dynamic and also a perfect fit for the Matt Nagy offense. Combined with Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, the Bears receiving corps isn’t just better. It’s a lot better.
