Predictions: What will the Bears’ draft class do in 2015?

SHARE Predictions: What will the Bears’ draft class do in 2015?
white3_999x721.jpg

Bears WR Kevin White. (AP)

After the NFL draft ends, it’s time to compare and contrast.

‘‘After the draft, the scouts or coaches will sit back and look at the board and say — and I’m sure it’s going on in every draft room — ‘Look at these guys’ draft, look at this,’ ’’ Bears general manager Ryan Pace said last week.

Pace, of course, feels good about whom he selected in his first draft with the Bears, but projections go only so far. It’s results that talk — and last.

‘‘And, really, you don’t know [about a] draft class until two or three years down the road,’’ he said.

But we can’t wait.

Pace’s first collection of draft talent takes the field Friday at Halas Hall for a three-day rookie camp. Here are our predictions for how the 2015 season will shake out for the Bears’ six draft picks:

Wide receiver Kevin White

Quote: ‘‘I plan to do big things. I’m going to work, earn my stripes and I just want to help the team win games.’’

The optimist: White’s athleticism, talent and work ethic turn him into a starter from the first game and make him a viable option for quarterback Jay Cutler opposite receiver Alshon Jeffery.

The pessimist: White struggles to adjust to the nuisances of route-running in the NFL. As a result, offensive coordinator Adam Gase is unable to rely on him in his rookie season.

Prediction: White’s work ethic, which has been praised by all who know him, triumphs over his limited route-running. There will be struggles early, but White will be an every-down player in Gase’s offense by the end

of the season.

Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman

Quote: ‘‘Honestly, I think I can play anywhere on the defensive line in the NFL. I played all positions and I feel comfortable at all of them.’’

The optimist: Goldman proves he was a first-round talent by beating out one of the Bears’ veterans — Ray McDonald or Jarvis Jenkins, namely — for a starting job.

The pessimist: Concerns about Goldman’s pass-rushing ability come  to fruition, limiting him to early-down situations and requiring him to put in lots of post-practice work to broaden his skills.

Prediction: Goldman becomes an immediate contributor at nose tackle, where’s he able to spell his idol, Jeremiah Ratliff. His power proves valuable in stopping run games. His underrated versatility allows him to get some snaps in pass-rushing situations, but work still is required.

Center Hroniss Grasu

Quote: ‘‘At Oregon, when you play offensive line, it just comes down to moving a guy that’s lined up in front of you from Point A to Point B. There’s a reason why we’ve been leading the Pac-12 in rushing yards.’’

The optimist: Grasu becomes the replacement for longtime center Roberto Garza from the first game, quickly connecting with friend/guard Kyle Long and others.

The pessimist: Grasu struggles to read NFL defenses after four years handling the calls in Oregon’s gimmicky offense.

Prediction: Veteran Will Montgomery will open the season as the starter. Handling the responsibilities of being an NFL center will take time for Grasu, who will benefit from watching.

Running back Jeremy Langford

Quote: ‘‘I can be balanced. I can hit the home run and at the same time get the third-and-shorts. I feel like I can be used in any situation on third down.’’

The optimist: Langford becomes part of the wave of running backs coach John Fox wants, and his breakaway ability shows up in what might be a steady ground game.

The pessimist: While it might not be bad for the Bears, Ka’Deem Carey, a 2014 draft pick, holds off Langford and excels with his increased opportunities.

Prediction: Langford and Carey share carries behind starter Matt Forte. But expectations should be low, especially if he struggles between the tackles. If Langford gets a shot as a return man, receiver Marc Mariani and running back Jacquizz Rodgers will be formidable competition.

Safety Adrian Amos

Quote: ‘‘I feel like my best asset is my coverage. I can cover the slot, cover tight ends, cover outside receivers. I feel like I would help a lot in that regard.’’

The optimist: Amos’ coverage skills shine throughout training camp and the preseason, and he beats out Ryan Mundy for a starting spot. His speed is a factor.

The pessimist: Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio needs his safeties to be strong in run support, and scouts’ questions about Amos’ tackling become actual concerns.

Prediction: Amos makes the active roster but faces an uphill battle for playing time. Mundy’s past experience with Antrel Rolle clicks. That said, Brock Vereen, a 2014 draft pick, replaced Mundy on third downs last season because of his coverage ability.

Offensive lineman Tayo Fabuluje

Quote: ‘‘I’ve been against every type of rusher a person can put out there. I’ve handled myself well. I’m ready for anything, but I know guys in the NFL guys are always going to be bigger, faster and stronger.’’

The optimist: Fabuluje joins the Bears in fabulous health, and his steady improvement with his footwork puts Jordan Mills on notice and forces him to be better.

The pessimist: The Bears drafted a long-term project. His weight remains an issue, and Chicago and its food options do him no favors.

Prediction: Fabuluje will be on the practice squad, and that’s OK. He has plenty to fine-tune under line coach Dave Magazu. He still has to discover what his best NFL position will be. It’ll be up to Charles Leno Jr., a 2014 draft pick, and others to push Mills.

Email: ajahns@suntimes.com

Twitter: @adamjahns

The Latest
The way inflation is measured masks certain costs that add to the prices that consumers pay every day. Not surprisingly, higher costs mean lower consumer confidence, no matter what Americans are told about an improving economy.
Another federal judge in Chicago who also has dismissed gun cases based on the same Supreme Court ruling says the high court’s decision in what’s known as the Bruen case will “inevitably lead to more gun violence, more dead citizens and more devastated communities.”
With Easter around the corner, chocolate makers and food businesses are feeling the impact of soaring global cocoa prices and it’s also hitting consumers.
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.