As long as linebacker Roquan Smith refuses to practice while angling for a contract extension, the Bears have only three first-round draft picks on their roster that actually participate on the field.
One is quarterback Justin Fields. The other two, defensive end Robert Quinn and right tackle Riley Reiff, were drafted during the first term of the Obama administration.
The growth of the team’s second-round picks, then, is the fastest way for the rebuilding Bears to become relevant. With three exceptions, they’re the closest the Bears come to having a pedigree.
Monday, the Bears’ three most recent second-round picks — cornerback Kyler Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins — moved in different directions.