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Ryan Poles had a very distinct plan entering the first three rounds of the NFL Draft this weekend. He is filling massive holes across the board on both sides of the football.
Since landing the number one overall pick back in January, he’s made it very apparent that his main priority is setting Justin Fields up for success. He moved the pick for a massive return in draft capital, which led to the selection of Darnell Wright, and wide receiver D.J. Moore.
After that the offense seems almost complete, which then turns the focus to the defense, in which he spent all three day two picks on. For a team who was dead last in sacks, defensive line has been a major need, especially the 3-tech position.
Going into today Bears fans vouched for players like Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adeboware, Georgia Tech’s Keion White, and Wisconsin’s, Keeanu Benton. Sadly, none of those players ended up in the hands of the Chicago Bears.
Instead, the Bears went a different route, landing Florida’s Gervon Dexter, Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson, and South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens.
These were not selections that make you jump out of your seat, let alone get excited about. Most Bears fans immediately hit Youtube and a quick google search as Bears legend Devin Hester read the draft card on stage.
So after hours of more in depth research into these players I finally have formed somewhat of an opinion on these selections that Ryan Poles made Friday night.
If there is one thing I know, it’s that all of these players are pure athletic freaks that Ryan Poles believes he has the staff to turn these players into contributional pieces.
So starting in order let’s start with pick No. 53
Gervon Dexter, Defensive Tackle, Florida.
I am trying to stay as positive as I can about this pick. It was a big need for Chicago, and Dexter’s measurables mixed with his athleticism fit perfectly with Matt Eberflus’ 3-tech position.
On the other hand I really struggle to find the thrill of this pick. He succeeds very well at disrupting the run, and applying a little pressure up the middle but he doesn’t scream playmaker by any means.
His tape is limited with big plays and has a very hard time getting to the quarterback without the play being extended. He is a project player, but with his size and traits, Matt Eberflus will have all the opportunity to turn him into a monster.
Tyrique Stevenson, Cornerback, Miami.
Easily my favorite pick tonight by Ryan Poles. While the Bears addressed the secondary in last year’s draft with Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, who both showed flashes of stardom last season, this pick could seal the secondary up for Chicago for quite some time.
Tyrique Stevenson is a physical presence who has no issue putting his pads on the opposing team. His physicality gives him the ability to slow receivers off their release and can stick on a receivers hip in man coverage. He has a 40 inch vertical, and can high point the ball making him great in contested catch situations.
This move now allows Kyler Gordon to move to the nickel in this defense where I believe he will fully thrive. Gordon was phenomenal in the open field, making tons of plays last season, and his athleticism made up for a lot of rookie mistakes. This was a great pick by Ryan Poles.
Zacch Pickens, Defensive tackle, South Carolina.
Zacch Pickens is a really solid pick to add to the Bears defensive line depth. I assume his snap count in year one will be limited with both Andrew Billings and Justin Jones still on the roster, but Pickens is a work in progress anyway.
Pickens has a quick first step which allows him to be very good at disrupting both the rush, and the pass. He is very good at keeping his feet driving to continue the pressure in the middle, making it difficult on the quarterback.
He isn’t the largest defensive tackle, only sizing up at 6’4, 290 pounds, but his long arms and big hands create issues for opposing blockers to keep him under control.
If I have to be honest I think this pick could ultimately turn out better than the Gervon Dexter selection for Chicago. Once again, I am no scout by any means, and I hope Dexter can haunt opposing offenses for the next decade here in Chicago. I am just giving my honest opinion, Bear Down.
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