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We all know it takes more than a single season to accurately assess the success of any draft class. Our own Josh Sunderbruch does a phenomenal job of explaining why this is and looking back at a more reasonable benchmark. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment to look back and see how the early returns are looking and if any selection would have been better spent elsewhere. What better class to assess than one of the more impactful ones we have seen in Chicago for some time? In this series, I will go through each pick in each round and assign what I believe to be the best pick, worst pick and players that could have been selected instead.
Round 6 – Pick 195
Luke Newman, G
In the 6th round, beefing up the depth on the interior of the offensive line with a 6’3” 310lb B1G Ten OL is never a bad idea. Newman joined the Bears after Chicago had landed a couple well-established vets via trade. Joe Thuney, the inaugural Protector of the Year winner, and former Pro-Bowler Jonah Jackson. A prime opportunity for any rookie to hone his craft behind some experienced starters.
But was Newman the right pick at 195? For me, the toughest competition for Newman would be the pick immediately after him in DE Ahmed Hassanein out of Boise State. at 6’2”, 275lb, Hassanein is more of a power rusher and his 27 reps at the combine back that up. He also ran a 4.77 forty, so he is a solid athlete all around, but ultimately failed to see any game action for the Detroit Lions in 2025. That said, I am happy with the Newman pick and eager to see him develop.
Other Potential Options:
Ahmed Hassanein, DE, 6’2” 275lb – Detroit Lions pick 196
Jimmy Horn, WR, 5’8”, 174lb – Carolina Panthers pick 208
Aeneas Peebles, DT, 6’0”, 289lb – Baltimore Ravens pick 210
Brashard Smith, RB, 5’10”, 196lb – Kansas City Chiefs pick 228