It is safe to say that the 2020 NFL Draft could not have come at a better time. Sports fans everywhere have been craving for something to watch since the pandemic started in mid-March. They got a three-day event of teams not only making an effort to find the next wave of talent but saw young men watch their long-awaited dream come true. In fact, according to the NFL, this year marked the highest viewed NFL Draft with a whopping 55 million viewers. I was able to watch the first round unfold with my brother beside me while talking to my friends (who were also watching the draft) via Zoom. While it was a strange feeling observing this virtual-style draft, it did not lack the excitement, drama, and chaos that a typical draft would offer in the first place.
I am quite surprised the draft went as smoothly as it did. I was fully expecting there to be countless technical difficulties, including potential pauses of the draft clock. Fortunately, that was not the case, as all 32 teams and their personnel did their job and conducted the draft almost perfectly. I also have to give a rare nod to Commissioner Roger Goodell, who not only showed some awesome humility by constantly welcoming virtual boos from fans but somehow managed to stay up and announce hours of constant picks. Lord knows I would have crashed about halfway through the event on my chair.
As you already know by now, the Bears did not hear their name called in the first round and had to wait until the second round for their first selection. They had picks #43 and #50 and would have to wait 105 picks to make their next selection after that. Despite no first-rounder, Ryan Pace and company had a great chance to land an impact player or two with their first picks. Within this article, I will provide my thoughts on those picks, along with other thoughts from around the league this past week, including the Packers surprising selection of their future Quarterback.
If you haven't already, please feel free to check out my introduction article, I had a blast putting it together. You will get to know more about me, my background, and my plans for this website here:
Cole Kmet
Notre Dame Tight End Cole Kmet, Celebrating A First Down Reception v.s. Virginia
(Credit: BearsWire)
Let me start off here by saying...finally, the Bears drafted a player from my favorite college, Notre Dame. For those who may not know, Notre Dame has always been my favorite college football team. I am by no means a die-hard fan, nor do I pay as much attention to college football than professional football. But they have been my team for college, as my mom’s side has a variety of alumni and South Bend locals. From Manti Teo, Jaylon Smith, Sheldon Day, Keivarre Russell, and so on, I have always wanted the Bears to draft someone from Notre Dame. Yes, only one of those names have truly made a name for themselves in the NFL, but I am thrilled that we finally drafted someone from my favorite college football team. Top it off with the fact that he was born an hour away from Chicago makes the pick even more heartwarming.
Outside of the favorite college to favorite professional team excitement, I have mixed feelings about the pick. Kmet was the clear-cut top Tight End in this draft who has great athleticism, tremendous size, and is a nice blocker. Although those traits are wonderful, I would have preferred for them to draft a position of immediate starting need. These included Offensive Line, Cornerback, Safety, and Wide Receiver, but the bears decided to draft someone who will be the presumed second Tight End behind Jimmy Graham and his $8 million salary. Also, the Bears currently have 10 Tight Ends on the roster after the release of Trey Burton last week. Of course, the Bears will certainly cut at least ¾ of those guys, and the Tight End position is vital for this offense to run, meaning Kmet could have a good role. However, I would have preferred for them to go in a different route.
This does not mean that the was a bad pick by any means, Kmet was the top Tight End for a reason and offers plenty of bright spots. The pick could be greatly beneficial for the Bears in the long-term, as Kmet will be able to learn from the formerly-best Tight End in the NFL in Jimmy Graham. Graham is now in his mid-30’s and past his prime, whenever his time with the Bears is over, Kmet could potentially be ready to grab ahold of the top spot on the Tight End depth chart and be ready to become a key part of the offense. The potential long-term effect of this pick cannot be overlooked, they could be in great hands with Kmet if he plays his cards right. Chicago has been looking for a young, consistent Tight End since they regretfully traded Greg Olsen after the 2010 season. Adam Shaheen clearly was not that guy, and they hope Kmet finally becomes the guy to end their search.
Jaylon Johnson
Here Is A Meme I Made To Relate To My Fellow Bears Fans, Hope You Enjoy
Admit it, you thought the Bears were going to draft Jalen Hurts once Goodell said that first name. I know I was, but fortunately, they decided to not draft the Quarterback early and went with a different man with the same first name.
Unlike Kmet, Utah Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was someone that I did not pay any attention to before the draft. Also, unlike Kmet, Johnson fills an immediate starting need for the Bears. Johnson is a man with great size, good ball skills, and tremendous physicality. He is always around the football, as he is a pass-breakup king and will come up with the occasional interception. When I finally was able to watch some videos of him after his selection, all of those traits were noticeable right off the bat, as my excitement of the pick only went on to grow. Pair him next to an already physical, ball-hawking Cornerback in Kyle Fuller, and Chicago could have themselves a deadly duo for years to come.
Despite all of those traits, it is safe to question how he fell all the way into the Bears lap at #50? Part of it is luck, but it is mostly because he has a shoulder problem. Johnson has a history of shoulder issues and is recovering from shoulder surgery as we speak. Throughout the pandemic, it was difficult for teams to garner medical information on draft prospects. Player workouts mean everything for a team to observe with their own eyes, and obviously, they could not do that with Johnson and others throughout a large portion of the pre-draft process. So I completely understand why General Managers would be hesitant towards taking a risk on an injured player, both now and in regular drafts.
However, as long as Johnson can make a full recovery (which he is expected to be ready and able to play before August), the Bears could potentially get themselves an absolute steal in him. Most of the nation was surprised that no one took him in the first round, even Johnson himself was surprised. But it could all be a blessing in disguise, as Johnson will attempt to become a pivotal figure in an already stout defense.
The Rest Of The Bunch
Chicago Bears 2020 Draft Selections (Credit: CBS Sports)
As previously mentioned, the Bears would go on to wait until the fifth round to make their next selection. They finished the draft by adding an Edge Rusher, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, and two Offensive Lineman. Most needs were filled, while they missed on getting smaller needs such as Inside Linebacker, Running Back, and Quarterback later in the draft.
My only wish was that they were more aggressive in drafting an Offensive Lineman earlier. I understand it when teams follow the “Best Player Available” Philosophy and stick to their draft board, but not addressing the Offensive Line could come back and bite the Bears. Not only did they pay little attention to the line in free agency, but in the draft, as well. All they did was sign former failed early-round players in Germain Ifeidi and Jason Spriggs. I am an advocate for teams taking flyers on former busts because a change of scenery could do wonders for a player. But the Bears Offensive Line took a HUGE dive last year, and in order to improve both the pass-game and run-game, it all starts up front. I, along with the rest of Bears nation, will keep a close eye on the Offensive Line and the competition at (presumably) Right Guard. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best, as a bounce-back season is not completely out of the realm for the front five. As the Bears have full-confidence in new Offensive Line Coach, Juan Castillo, to turn that unit around
I will need to look deeper into the Bears late-round selections, but I am satisfied with the first two selections and the overall draft. It could be better, but it could be a LOT worse. All that matters with the draft is how these players will turn out with the team in 2-3 years, and we will be there front and center to watch these guys attempt to blossom in the NFL.
Now for the first time within my articles, I will discuss my thoughts from other teams around the league this week…
Packers Opt To Pick The Heir To Aaron Rodgers In The First Round
Aaron Rodgers and His Likely Successor, Utah State Quarterback Jordan Love
(Credit: ClutchPoints)
I have decided to save my audience here by not use a pun involving Jordan Love’s last name, as we will constantly be hearing or seeing those for the next decade or so.
The Packers selection of Utah State Quarterback Jordan Love in the first round was arguably the most surprising and dramatic pick on Thursday night. Many people, including me, were expecting them to provide their current Quarterback some help at Wide Receiver or Offensive Line. However, the Packers decided to forgo picking an immediate starting need and decided to pick their gunslinger of the future.
While the selection was a shock to the NFL world, it really should not come as a surprise. While still one of the best Quarterbacks in the league, Aaron Rodgers is currently 36 years old and has been slowly regressing as the years go by. The Packers have attempted to develop future Quarterbacks behind Rodgers, such as Brett Hundley and former Notre Dame standout DeShone Kizer, but neither one lasted with the team for long. Jordan Love had an amazing 2018 season in college while coming off of a down 2019 season. The reason why he became an early-round selection this year is because of his raw talent and potential. There were even people considering him to be the next potential Patrick Mahomes. He was not exactly in the same realm as Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert (the first three Quarterbacks selected in the draft), but Love represents himself as an ideal Quarterback that can sit back and learn from a veteran Quarterback for a while and eventually develop into a fine starter down the road. That makes Green Bay an ideal landing spot for a player of Love’s caliber.
As a Bears fan, I laugh at the fact that they did not give Aaron Rodgers some help in the first round, especially in a rich class full of Wide Receivers. I believe it is more hysterical that they took a Running Back in the second round, despite having Aaron Jones, an absolute stud that I believe is underappreciated in Green Bay and the NFL as a whole. However, having the thought of Jordan Love sitting and learning behind, who I believe, is the most talented Quarterback in NFL history makes me nervous. Aaron Rodgers has given Bears fans far too many nightmares during his career and potentially could give us more. The last thing we need is for yet ANOTHER talented Green Bay Quarterback to dominate and succeed after Rodgers.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed, for all we know, Love could become a total bust in Title Town. But their selection of the Utah State product should not be as faulted as it has been by media and fans worldwide. As of now, they are still a very talented football team with a talented Quarterback. Yes, not selecting a player that can make an immediate impact could come back to bite the Packers, but they will more-than-likely be happy that they took Jordan Love in the next couple of years. I sure hope I am wrong in making that statement, but it would not come as a shock whatsoever.
Regardless, the Quarterback situation in Green Bay will be worth monitoring, as the future of Aaron Rodgers is now up in the air.
Drew Lock, You Just Got Yourself Some Fun New Toys This Year
Denver Broncos Quarterback Drew Lock, Doing His Best Michael Jordan Shrug Impression
(Credit: MileHighSports.com)
I have said it before the draft, and I will say it again, do not sleep on the Denver Broncos in 2020. This is a team with a young up-and-coming Quarterback in Drew Lock, who is entering his second season in the league. He showed flashes with limited weapons during his 5 starts last season, but boy has General Manager John Elway given him some much-needed weapons this offseason.
To start, Head Coach Vic Fangio hired Pat Shurmur to become the team’s Offensive Coordinator this season. That was a phenomenal hire, as Shurmur has had success as a Coordinator in his career before, most recently with the Case Keenum-lead Vikings in 2017. In free agency, the Broncos added former division rival Running Back Melvin Gordon to create a powerful 1-2 punch with Phillip Lindsay. That move came as a surprise to me, as Lindsay has had a fantastic start to his two-year career, especially given that he went undrafted. However, Gordon is an obvious upgrade over underperforming Running Back Royce Freeman, and the Broncos could have one of the better groups of Running Backs in the league.
The draft is where the offense especially improved, starting off by selecting Alabama Wide Reciever Jerry Jeudy in the first round. Jeudy has been considered the most polished player at his position in the draft and fell all the way to pick #15, as the Broncos get to pair him with fellow Wide Receiver Courtland Sutton, who broke out last season. In Round 2, they doubled-down at Receiver and selected the blazing-fast K.J. Hamler, from Penn State. Hamler was a man I was hoping the Bears would end up selecting, but Denver should serve to fill him in as their Slot Receiver.
The Broncos could have done more work at Offensive Line, and it will be tough losing a few key pieces on the defensive side of the ball, specifically star Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. However, the defense is still one of the better units in the league led by Pass Rush sensation Von Miller, and the offense has vastly improved all-around. Drew Lock still has work to do and will have a lot of pressure facing him to take the next big step towards becoming a legit franchise Quarterback. If he, in fact, takes that step, the Broncos could be in for a fun 2020 season. I have several good friends that are Broncos fans, as well, so that would definitely be something that I would not be opposed to seeing.
Why I Believe Gronk Is Making a Mistake By Going To Tampa
Quarterback Tom Brady and Tight End Rob Gronkowski, Former Patriot and Current Buccaneer Teammates
(Credit: Denver7)
This is not draft related, but I would love to discuss the news that shook the NFL world last week.
Yes, I do believe Gronk is making a mistake coming out of retirement and joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It is very simple: Why would you want to come back after you have won three Super Bowls, are a future Hall of Fame Tight End, enjoying retirement, have all the money in the world, and (most-importantly) recovering from an injury-plagued career?
Gronk already has his legacy cemented in the NFL, as he has been one of the most popular and beloved figures in all of sports. We know how smart he is with his money, as he claimed he saved his entire $54 million earnings from the NFL. I especially do not get why he would want to risk his body after he spent a full year away from the brutal world of football. I understand a player’s love of the game, I also understand that he will reunite with his long-time Quarterback Tom Brady. But in Gronk’s case, I do not believe it is worth risking your body furthermore after settling into retirement.
If anyone athlete can have a successful career after sports, it is Gronk. As I previously mentioned, he is beloved and is always entertaining. He appeared as a broadcaster covering football in 2019, “won” a championship belt in the WWE this year, and it seemed like the start of a glorious post-football career for the Tight End.
However, nothing anyone can say, including myself, could convince him to stay in retirement, Rob Gronkowski is a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. An offense of Tom Brady and Gronk, along with deadly Wide Receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, they could become a deadly force in the league. It could also become a heartbroken dream for the Buccaneers, as their skyrocketing Super Bowl odds could eventually become unrealistic expectations that the team might not live up to (*cough* *cough* 2019 Cleveland Browns *cough *cough*). However, unlike those Browns, these Buccaneers have one of the best Head Coaches in recent memory, Bruce Arians, as he is the largest reason why I would have big expectations for the Buccaneers. They should feel very honored and privileged that they have such a coach, as it is safe to wonder if Brady would have even considered Tampa Bay in the first place if Arians were not there.
The Bears will host the Buccaneers sometime in 2020, as we will find out the exact date once the official schedule is released. Hopefully, we will see a highly anticipated Super Bowl 52 Quarterback rematch in Brady v.s. our guy, Nick Foles.
If you actually read through this whole article, pat yourself on the back because you are a gem. While you are at it, feel free to let me know what you think, if you wish.
Thank you, and Bear Down!