AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File

Late Round Picks By Bears Make 2021 Best Draft Ever For GM Ryan Pace…By Far

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterMay 8, 2021

Larry Borom, OT, 5th round selection, 151st overall pick

After blockbuster trades on days one and two of the NFL draft to land QB Justin Fields and OL Teven Jenkins, Ryan Pace was without a selection until the fifth round on Saturday, nabbing tackle Larry Borom of Missouri, a depth pick who can also play guard, and probably will for the Bears.

Borom is a huge tackle who is just a shade under 6-5. Like Jenkins, he’s considered a mauler with good versatility, and a physical football player who will win once he gets his hands on the defender. Borom was a two-year starter at right tackle for the Tigers.

Khalil Herbert, RB, 6th round selection, 217th overall

Herbert played at both Virginia Tech (2020) and Kansas (2016-19), where he rushed for 2,917 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is considered an excellent choice for Pace, who has become known for finding late-round gems. Though the Bears are well-stocked at running back with David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, Herbert may find a role as a situational back and special teams player.

The first of three 6th round selections by Pace, Herbert profiles as a good vision runner who rarely fumbles. he averaged 26.9 yards per kick return for the Hokies, and with the departure of Cordarrelle Patterson, the rookie should find immediate work as the team’s kick returner.

Dazz Newsome, WR, 6th round selection, 221st overall

Newsome caught 54 passes for 684 yards and six TDs for the Tar Heels in 2020, a slight drop from his junior year when he caught 72 passes for 1,018 yards and 10 dimes. Newsome is a short but tough wideout with good hands who will work primarily as a slot receiver for head coach Matt Nagy. He’s great after the catch, picking up large chunks of yardage with good vision and contact balance. He also shows a strong ability to break tackles, and isn’t afraid of hard contact. Newsome may also find work with the punt return team.

Thomas Graham Jr., CB, 6th round selection, 228th overall

Pace potentially found his replacement for Kyle Fuller with this selection. Rather, Graham will likely fill the role of Jaylon Johnson as Johnson slides over to replace the departed defensive back. Graham opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, but before that he had an impressive run at Oregon. In three seasons with the Ducks, the cornerback totaled 183 tackles, eight interceptions, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, and 32 pass breakups. This could be another of Pace’s late-round steals. Pro Football Focus  had Graham ranked as the 76th-best prospect in the entire draft.

Khyiris Tonga, DT, 7th round selection, 250th overall

Tonga appeared in 47 games at BYU, where he totaled 130 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss, 8.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in four seasons. Last season with the Cougars, Tonga recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks and five pass breakups in 11 games. While defensive line wasn’t a significant area of concern for Pace, he added a good developmental squad prospect in Tonga, who will have the chance to learn under Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.

After Draft Free Agent Signings

Offense

  • RB C.J. Marable, Coastal Carolina
  • TE Scooter Harrington, Stanford
  • OL Gage Cervenka, Clemson
  • OL Dareuan Parker, Mississippi State
  • OL Gunnar Vogel, Northwestern

Defense

  • DL Daniel Archibong, Temple
  • DL Sam Kamara, Stony Brook
  • DL Thomas Schaffer, Stanford
  • LB Charles Snowden, Virginia
  • LB Caleb Johnson, Houston Baptist

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterMay 8, 2021
Bears Insider © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved
Back to top button