NEWSLETTER
With the 2021 NFL Draft coming to a close, the Chicago Bears rattled off a trio of intriguing picks in the sixth round.
Boom, boom, boom:
https://twitter.com/HokiesFB/status/1388603090149023747
Chapel Hill ➡️ Chicago@dazznewsome05 is a Bear. #NFLDraft #CarolinaFootball 🏈 #ProHeels pic.twitter.com/igglYtnWUY
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) May 1, 2021
Get ready, Chicago!
Congrats to @_TG4__ on being selected by the @ChicagoBears in the sixth round.#GoDucks x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/paCsDbEhsM
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) May 1, 2021
Virginia Tech RB Khalil Herbert, North Carolina WR Dazz Newsome, and Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. are the newest members of the Chicago Bears’ 2021 NFL Draft class. It’s an interesting trio of players, and I’m looking forward to breaking down what each can bring to the table.
Herbert and Newsome are ACC standouts who possess blazing game speed with the ball in their hands. Both figure to be battling for the open return specialist gig. Herbert was a second-team All-ACC performer as an all-purpose player and third-team all-conference honoree as a running back. His 7.7 yards per rush was the fourth best in college football last season, which is pretty darn eye-opening.
Meanwhile, Newsome was a second-team All-ACC receiver for his efforts as Sam Howell’s top target in 2029. (What, you thought I was gonna write this and *NOT* get a Sam Howell mention in here? Ha!). Newsome hauled in a team-leading 72 catches for 1,018 yards, and 10 touchdowns. HIs pass-catching production took a dip in 2020, but Newsome still stood out as a punt returner as he averaged 9.9 yards per return on 17 tries.
Graham Jr. is the type of player I love seeing the Bears take on Day 3. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and top-150 overall prospect. And Oregon slid him into the starting lineup for 12 of 13 games as a college freshman. That says a lot about how the Ducks felt about his talent. Graham opted out of playing in a 2020 season that was shortened by COVID-19 global pandemic, but not before picking up 8 interceptions (including a pick-six) in 40 games over three seasons.
The Bears still have one more pick to make after trading back with the Seahawks. And while Ryan Pace didn’t get who you might’ve wanted from Seattle, Chicago’s GM can still make the most of the 250th pick.
