Now that we’re done giving some way-too-early grades for the Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft, why don’t we turn our attention back to the 2020 NFL Draft? The general rule of thumb for judging NFL draft picks is to wait three years before making final judgments, and that time has come for the 2020 class.
Ryan Pace was still the GM for the Chicago Bears in 2020, and he had seven draft picks that year, a relative horde of picks for a GM who was quick to trade draft selections away. Two of those, seventh-rounders Arlington Hambright and Lachavious Simmons, are no longer with Chicago, so they won't be graded.
I’ll grade these picks based on their draft slotting, positional value, and what they’ve done for the Bears in the last three years. Their projected future roles matter, too.
Let's get to those grades.
Round 2, 43rd overall: Cole Kmet, TE
A controversial pick at the time; many fans wanted wide receiver Chase Claypool, who is now a part of the team anyway. Kmet always seemed to have more doubters than believers throughout his first two years, and failing to score a touchdown in 2021 didn’t help his case. But Kmet had a mini-breakout year in 2022, developing a strong connection with Justin Fields. He totaled 50 catches for 544 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Bears appear ready to extend Cole Kmet this offseason, and a second contract would be well-deserved. Kmet isn't the best route-runner with occasional clunky hands, but he’s an able and willing blocker, has a good relationship with Fields, and led the Chicago Bears in touchdown receptions last year. Pairing him with a solid veteran like Robert Tonyan should take Kmet’s game to the next level.
Grade: B+
Round 2, 50th overall: Jaylon Johnson, CB
This is a tough pick to grade. Johnson has been a stud for a second-round corner who has played most of his first three years without much help in the secondary. He doesn’t give up much to opposing quarterbacks and forces plays to the opposite side of the field. He’s even been known to lock up All-Pro wide receivers like Davante Adams.
But he has injury issues, having missed 11 games so far in his career. He also has recorded just one interception in his career, back in Week 2 of 2021.
Johnson is a reliable corner who can shadow almost any receiver in the league, but he has problems staying on the field and doesn’t make big, impact plays. I hope he gets a contract extension, and I think he will, but Ryan Poles appears like he’s preparing for a life without No. 33.
Grade: C
Round 5, 155th overall: Trevis Gipson, Edge
More than any other player from the Chicago Bears' 2020 draft, Gipson has had a rollercoaster career thus far. After Khalil Mack was lost for the season early in 2021, Gipson exploded onto the scene with 7 sacks and 5 forced fumbles in nine games. He seemed primed to become a top pass rusher in the league.
2022 saw a steep decline in play along the entire defensive line, Gipson included. Adjusting to the new scheme may have been an issue for him, and the general lack of talent in the front seven didn't help.
Regardless, any excitement for his future with the Bears is gone. He will need a massive rebound year in 2023 if he hopes to stick around in Chicago.
Grade: C-
Round 5, 163rd overall: Kindle Vildor, CB
Vildor had some flashes at the end of his rookie year when he finally went from special teams work to starting in the secondary for the last three games. But he’s been largely forgettable and mostly a liability in coverage. He’s reliable on special teams and can provide decent depth if a starter is injured, but I wouldn’t expect a contract extension to come his way.
Grade: D
Round 5, 173rd overall: Darnell Mooney, WR
Mooney was the Chicago Bears' best pick from this draft class. He set a Bears franchise record for most receptions by a rookie with 61. His sophomore season was even better, as Mooney racked up over 1,000 yards receiving and four touchdowns, averaging 13 yards per reception. He also developed a strong relationship with Fields, and the pair appear to be very good friends both on and off the field.
2022 was a major step back statistically for Mooney, but the entire offense seemed dysfunctional at times. Much of the passing game woes have to be blamed on the nonexistent pass protection given to Fields.
Since the addition of Chase Claypool and DJ Moore, and the drafting of Tyler Scott, many have speculated that Mooney is on his way out, either by trade or by allowing him to walk after his rookie deal expires. I don't see it this way, and I think a strong start to the 2023 season will cement his long-term role in Chicago.
No longer having to carry the pressure of being the top wide receiver, I think Mooney will flourish again and earn a respectable WR2-level contract from Poles.
Grade: A
