Skill Players

Ryan Pace didn’t just upgrade the coaching staff to help Mitch Trubisky. He recognized that the skill players around him were not to the caliber required to get the best out of Trubisky.

Through free agency, Pace signed Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel to become Trubisky’s new No. 1 and No.2 receiving options. Robinson gives Trubisky a receiver with a dynamic skill set in that he is your prototypical X-receiver. He’s physical off the line of scrimmage with the ability to beat the press from the opposing cornerback. He doesn’t possess elite speed but he is a savvy route runner that can run a complete route tree. Most importantly he has sticky hands and catches everything thrown his direction.

Taylor Gabriel exploded onto the national stage with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 and continued his impressive play in 2017. Despite his size, Gabriel has done most of his damage on the outside. He has easy speed and can beat almost anyone deep that is lined up across from him. Gabriel is a solid route runner and has excellent ability to turn short completions into a big yardage play.

Trey Burton was signed to be the new “U” tight end, and be the type of offensive chess piece you’d expect from a Zach Ertz or Travis Kelce type. The numbers so far for Burton have been limited during his time in the NFL. Over the last three seasons he’s averaged 21 catches, 209 yards, and two touchdowns, but with an expanded role in an offense, many believe he has the talent to blossom into a productive starter in the NFL.

Ryan Pace didn’t just upgrade the offense through free agency. In the second round of the NFL Draft Pace added more talent and depth by drafting Iowa offensive guard James Daniels, and Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller. Both have had strong starts to training camp and have a real chance to contribute immediately.

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