Grading Ryan Pace’s First Round Draft Picks

FIRST ROUND

2018: Roquan Smith, ILB

2017: Mitchell Trubisky, QB

2016: Leonard Floyd, OLB

2015: Kevin White, WR

A general manager is ultimately judged on wins and losses, and to a larger extent, championships won, but if we’re to break down the job of a GM it all starts with acquiring players through the draft. Free agency is part of the gig no question, but that’s more used to plug holes or to put a team over the top. Finding young and talented football players to fill out a roster is a must, so we’re asking you guys to grade the job done by the Chicago Bears Ryan Pace on a round by round basis.

Had Pace hit on the QB this would be an easy A, because if a team has that position figured out, everything else that goes into building a franchise just comes easier. I suppose the jury has another year to gauge Trubisky, but with Nick Foles in the fold it looks like Mitch’s only shot at playing in 2020 — his final year on his rookie deal — will be if Foles is injured or if Trubisky has an incredible camp and keeps the QB1 job.

White’s injuries kept him from showing anything at the NFL level, and Floyd, while a good football player, wasn’t able to do the main thing he was drafted to do; rush the passer.

Smith had some personal issues a year ago, but with those behind him I expect a big season in 2020. That will help boost the overall grade of Pace’s first rounders if we run this poll again next year, but for now does his small bit of success do anything for you on this poll?

Check out the poll results for all 7 rounds here:

Grading Ryan Pace’s First Round Draft Picks

Grading Ryan Pace’s Second Round Draft Picks

Grading Ryan Pace’s Third Round Draft Picks

Grading Ryan Pace’s Fourth Round Draft Picks

Grading Ryan Pace’s Fifth Round Draft Picks

Grading Ryan Pace’s Sixth Round Draft Picks

Grading Ryan Pace’s Seventh Round Draft Picks