While Bears general manager Ryan Pace has struggled with early-round picks during his tenure, he’s known for finding gems in the later rounds.
So perhaps it’s somewhat encouraging that Chicago has five draft picks between Rounds 5-7 in the 2020 NFL Draft — including pick 163.
When considering the previous players that have been taken at 163rd overall, there are some encouraging signs on this list that show that, if you get the right guy, he could evolve into a solid contributor.
Let’s take a look at the last 10 picks at No. 163.
2019: P Jake Bailey, Patriots
As a rookie, Bailey saw immediate action for the Patriots. He started all 16 regular-season games, as well as New England’s lone playoff contest, where Bailey averaged 44.9 yards per punt, including a long of 65 yards and 36 punts within the 20 yard line.
2018: DT Tim Settle, Redskins
Following two seasons, the verdict is still out on Settle. He’s provided glimpses of the player that he can become, but there’s still a long way for him to go. Settle has only started one game for the Redskins, and he’s served mostly as a rotational player. In 2019, Settle had 14 tackles and two sacks.
2017: LB Matt Milano, Bills
Since joining the NFL in 2017, Milano has quietly been putting together a productive career with the Bills. During that time, he’s evolved from part-time starter to full-time starter. Milano’s best season was 2019, where he tallied 101 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and nine passes defensed. He’s also added four interceptions in three seasons.
2016: WR Trevor Davis, Packers
While there have been some gems at pick 163, Davis wasn’t among them. Davis never caught on with the Packers, and he was gone after four seasons without so much as an impact. Davis’ best season came with the Raiders in 2018, where he started in four games and had seven receptions for 83 yards. Still, it wasn’t anything to write home about.
2015: DE Ryan Russell, Cowboys
Russell’s career was short and sweet, as he lasted just three seasons in the NFL. Russell played in just one game with the Cowboys, before he was released. He last played in 2017 with the Buccaneers, where he tallied 17 total tackles and two sacks in seven starts.
2014: QB Aaron Murray, Chiefs
Murray’s NFL career was over as quickly as it started. He spent two years in the league with the Chiefs before being released — without ever playing in a regular-season game. Most recently, Murray got another professional shot in the XFL with the Tampa Bay Vipers. In his one and only game, he completed 16 of 34 passes for 231 yards and two interceptions.
2013: OT Jordan Mills, Bears
Another late-round pick that never panned out, Mills’ career with the Bears was over in the blink of an eye. While he started all 29 games he played in over two seasons, the team didn’t like what they saw out of Mills in pass protection. He got another chance with the Bills, where he was a consistent starter over three seasons, before being waived and joining the Cardinals in 2019.
2012: LB Terrell Manning, Packers
During his four years in the league, Manning bounced around from team to team. He lasted just one season with the Packers — where he appeared in five games and logged three total tackles — before being released. Manning also spent time with the Chargers, Bears and Giants before exiting the NFL.
2011: G Daniel Kilgore, 49ers
Kilgore spent seven seasons with the 49ers, where he earned two contract extensions. Shortly after signing Kilgore to an extension in 2018, the 49ers traded him to Miami He was released by the Dolphins in March, following a disappointing two seasons marred by injury and inconsistency.
2010: FS Reshad Jones, Dolphins
Jones is the success story that you hope for out of a fifth-round pick. Jones, a two-time Pro Bowler, was a core player for the Dolphins over the last decade. Jones was released ahead of free agency this offseason, following struggles with injuries over the past few years, including most recently in 2019.
