Pro Football Focus recently combed through all 32 franchises to rank how their 2023 rookie classes performed. With just one completed campaign, some uncertainty remains regarding their long-term outlooks. Future success and performance can be guesstimated based on rookie-year outputs though. PFF's rankings were mostly driven by volume (how many snaps rookies have played).
The Chicago Bears rank 14th according to PFF, noting that the class combined to play 4,227 snaps. The middle-of-the-pack ranking is driven by No. 10 selection Darnell Wright, who earned 1,121 snaps at right tackle. Wright scored an acceptable pass-blocking grade of 61.4 and was even better as a run blocker (66.0).
MORE: Ryan Poles maximizes limited picks in latest 2024 Bears Mock Draft
Second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson earned a 59.1 coverage grade, and Terell Smith, who played sparingly after joining the Bears as a fifth-round pick, had a 65.4 coverage grade. Gervon Dexter Sr. was a liability against the run, scoring a 36.2, but did post a 65.9 pass-rush grade and 10.8% pressure rate. Dexter Sr. is a candidate to take a step forward as a sophomore.
Running back Roschon Johnson earned a 67.9 rushing grade and forced 0.15 missed tackles per attempt. Johnson is a productive member of the offense and is expected to continue playing a role in the backfield this season alongside D'Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert.
The Bears did not get enough out of third-round defensive tackle Zacch Pickens or fourth-round receiver Tyler Scott, but ranking 14th is solid nonetheless. With players like Wright and Stevenson expected to continue taking steps forward, the Bears' 2023 draft class should look even better once the 2024 campaign concludes.
Comments
Join the Conversation
Sign up to comment on this story
Create a free BearsTalk account to comment, earn points, and join the community.
Loading comments…
