Pace started in 2015 with a serviceable LT in Leno and Pro Bowl RG in Kyle Long. In free agency 2016, he went out and signed Massie, who initially exceeded expectations, and Josh Sitton at G. He re-signed both tackles to extensions which ultimately didn't work out. Long became a perennial injury problem. Sitton was a stop gap.
Also in 2016, he drafted Whitehair in the 2nd round. He drafted Daniels in the 2nd in 2018. He traded up in the 2nd for Jenkins in 2021 and also drafted Borom in the 5th. Through his tenure, he added other depth with late picks and UDFAs.
Fan perception is all Pace did was that last part.
Obviously there's criticism warranted but can we stop beating this dead horse in a year where Pace aggressively addressed the line and bolstered depth?
Plus, a team has after the QB position is resolved (if ever!), 21+ (TWENTY-ONE+) other positions that need to be filled or maintained . And ONLY 7 top draft picks per team! Plus free agents either vets or UDFAs.
Oh, yeah not every position needs filling every year but the inevitable FAILS, injuries, retirements, etc. take a toll on a team's and fan's expectations. Not every selection from the draft/freeagency/trade cornucopia is a winner!
Pace entered his tenure and found a cupboard filled with aging players and few "winners". And the ever-present QB question! After this draft, it seems like he (and we) can lean back and begin to savor the upcoming season with some optimism. The eternal QB question seems like it's about to be answered. Plus Green Bay's is up-for-grabs and headed for the "outhouse". At long last and so richly-deserved!!!
And still we have these Cassandra Bear fans singing the same old song of doom-and-gloom. Lighten up guys!
Looking forward to this season like few before! At least since the 80s and 2006-7!
I'm not in the Chicago area so I don't hear what our ex-Bears have to say now about this draft and the upcoming season. Like Kreutz, Urlacher, McMahon, and a few others. What's their take on the Bears' fortunes? Is there a sense of optimism after this draft?