Chicago Bears fans are spoiled by what feels like straight A's for their 2024 NFL Draft grades. And maybe that's why it stings a little that ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. didn't think the Bears' haul was quite A-worthy.
Instead, Kiper gave the Bears a 'B'.
"Chicago didn't have the capital to fully help both its offense and defense in this draft, and as a result, the other side of the ball needs some work." Kiper wrote. "With Williams leading the way, though, the offense will be incredibly fun to watch in 2024."
It's certainly fair to suggest the Chicago Bears' lack of picks is why they can't be given an A. They only made five selections, and even though two of them are elite top-10 prospects, a small draft class is never a great look.
Still, Kiper was a big fan of how the 2024 NFL draft began for the Bears.
"(Caleb) Williams, the No. 1 player on my Big Board, is an elite talent who will be surrounded by a great group of playmakers, which now includes wideout Rome Odunze (9), who finished No. 4 on my Big Board," Kiper wrote. "As I wrote Thursday night, he's going to be able to hit the ground running in Chicago."
It seems like Kiper's displeasure with the Chicago Bears' draft began in the fourth round with the selection of Iowa punter Tory Taylor.
"I didn't love a team with only a handful of selections taking a punter in Round 4, but at least Tory Taylor (122) was the best at his position," he wrote. "Austin Booker (144) had eight sacks last season and could be a situational pass-rusher."
In a way, it does feel like the Bears' 2024 draft ended at No. 9 overall. At least, the players who can make an impact this year (non-specialists) ended with Rome Odunze at No. 9.
But the impact Caleb Williams and Odunze will make could be bigger than any draft class of any size in the NFL in 2024. And for that reason, Kiper should've been a little more generous with his grade.
Regardless, Bears fans will gladly take a 'B' from the NFL Draft GOAT.
