With the Bears not picking until the third round Friday night, we had some time on our hands. So we took a look back at what was being said about the eight Bears voted to the Pro Bowl last season before they entered the draft. Here's what we found:
Akiem Hicks, defensive tackle
Drafted in third round (No. 89 overall) by Saints in 2012
Capsule by Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki
"Intriguing size and length—has vines for arms and legs, heavy hands. Athletic movement skills and surprising agility. Nice acceleration and straight-line closing speed. Gives effort in pursuit. Suffocating tackler. Versatile—lines up inside, outside and in two- and three-point stances. Has some upside. Outstanding-sized, extremely long-armed, smooth-muscled, athletic."
Khalil Mack, outside linebacker
Drafted in first round (No. 5) by Raiders in 2014
Capsule by Nolan Nawrocki
"A havoc-wreaking rush linebacker … Mack has demonstrated the instincts, toughness, athletic ability and explosive power to line up at any linebacker position in an even or odd front and factor readily. Is a four-year starter who made an immediate impact upon his arrival and is well primed for the NFL game. Looks every bit the part, comes from a humble, grounded family and offers the full package to become an impact performer in the pros."
Kyle Fuller, cornerback
Drafted in first round (No. 14) by Bears in 2014
Capsule by Nolan Nawrocki
"Good size, arm strength and balance. Plays faster than he times thanks to keen instincts, anticipation and route recognition. Zone aware with good eyes, ball reactions and hands to intercept. Outstanding leaping ability. Willing run supporter. Tough and durable. Team captain who understands what it means to be a pro. Narrow-framed, confident, competitive off-man/zone corner with nice length, field speed and awareness."
Charles Leno, Jr., left tackle
Drafted in seventh round (No. 246) by Bears in 2014
Capsule by Nolan Nawrocki
"Outstanding arm length. Solid base in pass protection and can bump, steer and mirror. Understands fit and positioning. Can work up to the second level with ease. Flashes pop in his punch. Very durable, experienced three-year starter."
Cody Whitehair, offensive lineman
Drafted in second round (No. 56) by Bears in 2016
Capsule by Pro Football Weekly's Greg Gabriel
"Four-year starter, has experience at right tackle and guard as well as left tackle. Tough and competitive with good to real good strength. Alert on the field. Quick set in pass protection, able to mirror versus moves and anchor versus bull rush. Good hand use. A consistent player who is strong and tough. Consistent run and pass blocker at the college level. His frame and athleticism are much more suited to play inside (versus tackle)."
Mitchell Trubisky, quarterback
Drafted in first round (No. 2) by Bears in 2017
Capsule by Pro Football Weekly's Greg Gabriel
"Ideal size for an NFL quarterback. Has real good athletic ability with speed, quick feet and change of direction. Very strong arm. Can make all the NFL-type throws. Shows good accuracy and ball placement. Has a good feel for pass rushers, can avoid and extend plays with his feet. Has a quick overhand delivery and throws a tight ball. Generally a good decision-maker."
Eddie Jackson, safety
Drafted in fourth round (No. 112) by Bears in 2017
Capsule by Pro Football Weekly's Greg Gabriel
"Good height and excellent length. Very good athlete who can turn and run and transition. Better than adequate speed for a safety. Has some man coverage skills and good awareness in zone. Solid hands. Willing run-support player. Returns punts. Smart and instinctive, reads things well. A smart safety who can line everyone up and play smart. Shows range to the sideline in zone and takes good angles."
Tarik Cohen, running back
Drafted in fourth round (No. 119) by Bears in 2017
Capsule by BreakingFootball.com's Jonathan Valencia
"Impeccable playmaking skills. A pure weapon. Absolute deadly in space. Ability to make something out of nothing. Homerun hitter with blazing speed. Explosive feet and cutting ability. Can stop and go effortlessly. Elite acceleration—zooms to top speed immediately following the touch. Speed, burst and bounce to the outside. Excellent vision. Sets up blocks well and positions footraces which he'll usually win."
