Blogging The Boys
Each week we dive into each team’s rookie class and compare how they stack up against each other. (Grades for each player are the overall offensive or defensive grade handed out by PFF.com)
First Round
This is a communication street fight for Booker. If he and Brock Hoffman pass off every twist like a baton, Chicago’s simulated pressure turns into just four guys running in place. Win first contact against length, keep the pocket square, and Dallas can live in second-and-manageable all afternoon. Do that, and Booker doesn’t just survive, he erases the chaos the Bears need to steal this one. Later in the week on Reading Between the Lines here on BTB we’ll take a deeper dive into Bookers challenges for this week.
Grade: 53.0
Second Round
Through two games, Ezeiruaku has one solo tackle and zero sacks, a light statistical start while he acclimates to NFL speed and Dallas mixes its sub-packages. The good news for Ezeiruaku is the Bears’ offense has protection problems. Detroit sacked Caleb Williams four times and held Chicago to penalty-soaked drives. That’s fertile ground for a speedy, inside-counter rusher like Ezeiruaku.
This sets up like a breakout game for the rookie pass rusher. Chicago’s tackles have been leaking and Ezeiruaku brings fresh legs and a first step that kills. If he keeps his rush lanes tight on Williams so he’s forced to climb into traffic, not out the back door, it can all fall into place for Ezeiruaku. We could be seeing his first sack this weekend.
Grade: 72.9
Third Round
Currently on Non-Football injury list (NFI)
Fifth Round
Another week inactive and we wait for news on if the coaches feel he can make it to the field this week. With Miles Sanders scoring last week after Javonte Williams had another big game, could see Brian Schottenheimer sticking to what’s working. That means less of our boy Blue.
Grade: N/A
Fifth Round
Watching Jack Sanborn try to cover the seam last week was both frustrating and disappointing. A guy like James might have been golden in that area of the field, but we have to wait for the coaches to feel confident putting him in. So for now, it’s a case of wait and watch for James and whether he gets to see action.
Grade: N/A
Sixth Round
Inactive
Grade: N/A
Seventh Round
The rookie nose is still easing in and has one tackle with zero sacks so far. He’s been used situationally to anchor early downs and absorb double teams while the Cowboys mix sub-fronts, so this will take time for Toia. But this week is a trench bully game for Toia. Win half a yard on first down and Chicago’s shiny playbook shrinks to panic buttons. Dent the pocket, don’t just hold it, and make Caleb Williams climb...
