As the Bears now approach the end of the 2022 season, I believe it’s an appropriate time to grade how well GM Ryan Poles did in his first-ever draft class by grading each pick. Ryan Poles turned something out of nothing in his first draft, turning five overall picks into eleven. Since the Bears were entering a rebuilding year, Poles and many others understood that this team needed younger and hungrier players, and that’s why he decided to trade back in the draft to acquire more rookies. But how did those rookies pan out? I’ll be grading all eleven of Poles’ draft picks.
Kyler Gordon: C+
Cornerback Kyler Gordon was taken with the 39th pick in the NFL draft. Gordon has had an underwhelming rookie season. He has shown flashes of potential, especially with his tackling. Gordon currently has 55 total tackles and one interception this season.
Jaquan Brisker: A-
Safety Jaquan Brisker was taken with the 48th pick in the NFL draft. Brisker has made a massive impact on the Bears’ secondary. He makes his presence known every time he steps onto the field, and his versatility allows the Bears to use him in various ways on defense. Brisker currently has 73 total tackles and one interception this season.
Velus Jones Jr.: D
Wide Receiver/ST Velus Jones Jr. was taken with the 71st pick in the NFL draft. Jones has been somewhat of a disappointment. Poles took Jones in hopes of adding versatility to the offense, as well as a return specialist. Unfortunately, Jones hasn’t solidified himself in the offense, although he shows promise as a return specialist if he can fix his muffing problem. Jones has three receptions for 24 yards and one touchdown.
Braxton Jones: B+
Offensive tackle Braxton Jones was taken with the 168th pick in the NFL draft. Braxton Jones has been a pleasant surprise for the Bears. He’s been one of the Bears’ better offensive linemen this season, starting every game. Jones has a 74.0 pff grade on the season and has allowed five total sacks.
Dominique Robinson: C-
Defensive end Dominique Robinson was taken with the 174th pick in the NFL draft. Robinson has shown flashes of potential so far this season. Robinson was taken for the athletic ability he demonstrated during his combine. However, he hasn’t seen a high snap count, so it is hard to judge where he is right now. Hopefully, with more playing time, he can showcase what he can do. Robinson has 27 tackles and one and a half sacks.
Zachary Thomas: N/A
Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas was taken with the 186th pick in the NFL draft. Thomas was on the Bears’ practice squad until he was signed off the practice squad by the Los Angeles Rams on November 18th.
Trestan Ebner: D
Running back Trestan Ebner was taken with the 203rd pick in the NFL Draft. Ebner has been reliable this year but hasn’t shown any flashes of greatness. He proves to be an average return man and has yet to see much playing time when at running back. Ebner has 54 rushing yards this season and no touchdowns.
Doug Kramer: N/A
Center Doug Kramer was taken with the 207th pick in the Nfl draft. Kramer was selected to provide a depth position at the center spot. However, a foot injury during training camp has sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Ja’Tyre Carter: D-
Offensive lineman Ja’tyre Carter was taken with the 226th pick in the NFL draft. Carter hasn’t played much this season, only appearing in two games on special teams. He has been a healthy scratch in every game he hasn’t appeared in.
Elijah Hicks: C
Safety Elijah Hicks was taken with the 254th pick in the NFL draft. Hicks has been mostly on special teams during this season. Due to recent injuries to the Bears’ secondary, he has seen some playing time. He hasn’t impressed when he did play, but there weren’t high expectations for him either. Hicks has 13 tackles this season and zero interceptions.
Trentan Gill: B
Punter Trentan Gill was taken with the 255th pick in the NFL draft. Gill has been an average punter in the NFL. There isn’t much to say about Gill, he’s been pretty solid this year. Gill averages about 46.9 yards per punt.
