Phil Emery: Positive Returns on Short Draft History

In about a year and a half as the GM of the Chicago Bears, Phil Emery has certainly made his mark quickly on the organization.  He's fired a beloved coach, right after having a double-digit win season.  He set an ultimatum on a potential Hall of Famer and face of the franchise, essentially forcing him to walk away from the game NOT on his own terms.  Emery has also made unconventional choices at head coach, and most importantly.....the draft.

While this team will only go as far in 2013 as Jerry Angelo drafted/acquired players will take them, Emery's primary job, in my opinion, was to turn around the future of the organization.  By the looks of things, Emery is well on his way to doing just that.

Emery started off on a great foot by trading for Brandon Marshall as his first major roster move.  Last April, the GM really put his stamp on the team by frankly, making some headscratching choices in his first draft.  On paper, the 2012 Bears' draft was a 3-4 OLB drafted to a 4-3 team, a WR with questions about his speed and ability to keep weight off, a college CB being converted to safety after missing his entire senior season, an overdrafted FB/TE tweener, and 2 corners brought in late to compete on special teams.  Flip the calendar to the end of the 2013 training camp, and the 2012 draft is starting to show some potential.  While many Bears fans will still lament the fact that Shea McClellin probably will never be a 3-down DE, the fact is he can be (and is starting to look like he'll be) a productive part of the Bears pass rush.  That 2nd round WR, is regarded by teammates of having the best camp on the offensive side of the ball.  And Alshon Jeffery showed that by being Jay Cutler's key target on a team that exploded for 27 points in the first half of the 3rd preseason game.  Lastly, one of those CBs was able to hang around the practice squad last year and has been the most improved player on the defensive side of the ball this summer.  And Isaiah Frey has gained the confidence in his coaching staff going into the season as the nickel back, a very important and much used position in the Bears defensive scheme.

That being said, the other 3 picks in the 2012 draft have either been or will be cut within the next week.  While 3 contributing picks and a 50% "hit" rate on the draft doesn't seem like a big accomplishment, consider the Bears have not had 3 players from the same draft contributing positively in the same season since probably 2004.

Again with the 2013 draft, Phil Emery left Bears fans scratching their heads with his 1st round pick.  With guys like Desmond Trufant, Sharrif Floyd, and Xavier Rhodes on the board, the Bears opted for Kyle Long, an inexperienced lineman with HOF bloodlines.  Granted he's played the 1st string of 2 bottom 5 D-lines in the league and 2nd stringers in the preseason opener, but so far, Long looks like a star at RG.  Joining him in the starting lineup will be 2nd round pick Jonathan Bostic and 5th rounder, Jordan Mills.  In addition to 3 starters in 6 picks, Emery's draft also boasts 3 players who will make the roster.  Marquess Wilson was a steal in the 7th, and looks like he'll get some runs with the 1s as the #4 WR.  Khaseem Greene and Cornelius Washington will not contribute on defense, but Greene looks like a 4-phase special teamer with potential to start at LB down the line.  And Washington has flat out dominated 3rd teamers so far in the preseason.  Washington potentially could be a pass rush option down the stretch once he gets some extra work in on the side.  Probably not gameday active til midseason, barring injuries.  Lastly, UDFA Michael Ford looks to have a bright future as the #3 RB this year, with potential to be more in the future (as I predicted in one of my previous mocks).

While it is too early to hail Phil Emery as a genius, the guy who comes off as trying to be "smarter than everyone else", may just be on to something.  If the 3 rookie starters continue to play like they have against lesser competition this preseason, and the 3 from 2012 take the next step to being long term contributors, Emery has set a solid foundation for this team's future.  With all the aging players on defense, the contracts expiring of several veterans, it was imperative for the Bears to hit homeruns in the draft early in Emery's tenure.  While neither of these drafts are near that yet, they look to be a huge step in the right direction as of now.