PML 2028 Draft Report Card: Chicago Bears Build for the Future
The 2028 PML Draft was a statement from the Chicago Bears front office. They attacked premium positions, doubled down on defensive backs, and added explosive playmakers on offense — all while reinforcing the trenches on Day 2. Here’s the full breakdown of their class.
A+ — Cormani McClain, CB, Michigan (2nd Overall Pick)
Cormani McClain was widely regarded as one of the top overall prospects in the entire draft, and the Bears wasted no time securing him at No. 2.
McClain brings elite speed and acceleration that immediately translate to shutdown ability. His recovery burst is rare, and his ability to flip his hips and stay attached in man coverage makes him a nightmare matchup.
What truly elevates his grade is his intelligence. McClain processes route combinations quickly, reads quarterbacks at an advanced level, and positions himself perfectly to attack the football. He’s a true ball hawk with the size, length, and physical tools to dominate on the outside.
With Jaylon Johnson entering a contract year, McClain feels like the perfect long-term replacement — and potentially an immediate impact starter. This is a franchise cornerstone pick.
A — Marcelles Williams, CB, USC (7th Overall Pick)
Back-to-back cornerbacks? The Bears clearly understand today’s PML is driven by the passing game.
Marcelles Williams was the second-best corner in the draft, and Chicago made sure he didn’t fall any further. At 5’11, his frame is slightly smaller than ideal, but that’s the only real concern.
He’s fast, instinctive, and gets to the football quickly. His awareness in zone coverage stands out, and his closing speed allows him to recover even when initially beaten. Williams plays bigger than his size and competes at a high level.
Loading up at corner may have surprised some, but the Bears now boast two young, elite-caliber defensive backs who can grow together for years.
A — Joshisa Trader, WR, Miami (27th Overall Pick)
With their final first-round selection, Chicago pivoted to offense and landed one of the most polished receivers in the PML draft.
Joshisa Trader is electric. His change of direction is elite, paired with outstanding speed and agility that make him nearly impossible to mirror. He’s widely considered one of the best route runners in the entire class.
At 6’1, 185 pounds, he plays much bigger than his frame suggests. Trader thrives in traffic, showing strong hands and fearlessness across the middle. He can separate underneath or stretch the field vertically, giving the offense a true three-level threat.
This was tremendous value late in the first round.
B+ — AK Dear, RB, Notre Dame (39th Overall Pick)
The Bears didn’t necessarily need a running back — but they couldn’t ignore AK Dear when he fell to pick 39 (acquired from the Cowboys).
At 6’1, 221 pounds, Dear is a powerful yet elusive runner who piled up over 1,700 rushing yards last season at Notre Dame. His blend of size, agility, and change of direction is rare. His spin move is devastating in the open field, and he accelerates through contact with authority.
Pairing Dear with All-Star Payton Lewis gives Chicago a dangerous 1–2 punch in the backfield. The grade is slightly tempered by positional value, but the talent is undeniable.
B- — Kyron Duhon, EDGE, Oklahoma State (26th Pick, 2nd Round)
Kyron Duhon wasn’t the top edge rusher in the class, but he brings production and power.
After a strong combine, Duhon entered the draft with solid momentum following an 8-sack season at Oklahoma State. He led the Big 12 in quarterback pressures and consistently disrupted the pocket.
His best trait is his bull rush. He drives tackles backward with power and leverage, collapsing the pocket effectively. While he doesn’t have elite speed off the edge, he compensates with strength and effort.
For a late second-rounder, this is steady value at a position of need.
C+ — Kameryn Fountain, EDGE, USC (27th Pick, 3rd Round)
The Bears doubled up at edge, signaling clear concern about depth in the pass rush.
Kameryn Fountain was part of a top-five USC defense but saw his draft stock drop after sitting out the second half of the season. The traits are evident — he flies to the ball and flashes impressive burst.
However, he’s still developing as a pass rusher. He lacks a refined go-to move and can struggle with consistency. There are also concerns about his motor, as he occasionally takes plays off.
At this stage of the draft, though, it’s a reasonable gamble on upside.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
The Bears executed a clear and aggressive strategy:
- Secured a potential lockdown CB1 in McClain.
- Added another high-end corner in Williams to fortify the secondary.
- Injected dynamic speed and route precision into the offense with Trader.
- Built a powerful backfield duo with Dear and Lewis.
- Reinforced edge depth with two high-upside selections.
The only reason this class falls just short of a pure “A” is the slight risk attached to the edge rusher selections and the luxury of drafting a running back early despite already having a star.
Still, from top to bottom, this is a high-impact class that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability. If the cornerback duo develops as projected and one of the edge rushers emerges as a consistent threat, the 2028 draft could be remembered as the foundation of Chicago’s next championship run in the PML.
