The Bears have started to ink their draft picks to contracts. The team announced tonight (via Twitter) that they’ve signed three rookies to deals:
- 4-126: Riley Ridley, WR (Georgia)
- 7-222: Kerrith Whyte Jr., RB (Florida Atlantic)
- 7-238: Stephen Denmark, CB (Valdosta State)
Ridley is the most notable name on the list, and that’s not entirely due to his draft stock. Rather, the Georgia product is the younger brother of Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley. Chicago selected Ridley following another productive collegiate season, as the receiver hauled in 43 receptions for 559 yards and nine scores.
Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller seem to have a solid hold on the top three spots on the Bears’ depth chart. However, Ridley could give a pair of free agent additions, Cordarrelle Patterson and Marvin Hall, a run for that fourth spot.
Whyte should have a shot at making the Bears roster as a third or fourth running back behind Mike Davis and Tarik Cohen, as he’ll be competing with unproven options like Ryan Nall, Taquan Mizzell, and fellow rookie David Montgomery,. Denmark will have a more difficult time establishing a role on a team that added free agents Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Buster Skrine.
Following these moves, the Bears have two unsigned draft picks remaining: Montgomery and cornerback Duke Shelley.
I wouldn’t exactly say Riley had “another productive collegiate season”, but rather his only productive collegiate season.
Probably a moot point because no matter how productive a player was in college he has to prove himself all over again once he enters the pro ranks.
I don’t expect Patterson to be anymore than a kick returner and occasional guy on offense for gimmick plays. so with Nagy, he will probably play a lot of offense.
If he can return a kick for a TD against his old pals in Minnesota that results in a victory, he will validate the investment made in him.
Bears sigh WHYTE Draft Chice to Contract !!
Bears sign contract agreement with DENMARK !!
SORRY – It was late:
Bears sign WHYTE Draft Choice to Contract !!