Not every NFL Draft analyst hated the Chicago Bears’ draft class. In fact, one of the best in the business, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, offered praise for general manager Ryan Poles and the team’s returns on day three.
“I really like what the Bears did on Day 3. Braxton Jones has starting upside, and Dominique Robinson can end up being a productive nickel rusher,” Brugler wrote. “But I’m giving the edge to Kramer, who just has that “make-it” competitive streak that will keep him on the active roster. Born and raised in Illinois, this was the final line of my Kramer report: “he is quick, smart and the type of grinder capable of carving out a multi-contract NFL career.”
To be fair, Brugler ranked the Bears’ 2022 draft class 24th (out of 32), which is an expected outcome for a team that didn’t have a first-round pick. Still, Poles managed to land quality starters in the second round, including safety Jaquan Brisker, who Brugler suggests may have been the best in class.
“It is fair to criticize the Bears for not adding an offensive playmaker in the second round,” wrote Brugler, “but Chicago added a pair of promising defensive backs, and Brisker was outstanding value at No. 48 overall. Arguably the best all-around safety in the draft, Brisker has speed, toughness and smarts and can wear several different hats in the secondary.”
Fortunately, the Bears weren’t the lowest-ranked NFC North team on Brugler’s ratings. That distinction belonged to the Green Bay Packers, who checked in at No. 27. The Minnesota Vikings ranked 18th, while the Detroit Lions were the clear winner in the division, ranking as the fourth-best draft in the league.
Bryan is the founder and managing editor of Bears Talk. His previous stops include Bears coverage for NBC Sports Chicago and USA Today. His NFL Draft and Bears coverage has also been featured on The Draft Network.
