LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The Bears selected Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon with the No. 39 overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday evening.
Gordon was a first-team all-Pac-12 selection last season, when he posted two interceptions. Gordon is the first ever draft selection for new Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who was hired by the team in late January.
"I heard the name Chicago, and I'm thinking of all the people that I met on the visit and just knowing the good people that are there, I'm just thankful to be in a good environment and the relationships I'm about to build," Gordon said. "These people are going to be amazing."
Over three seasons at Washington, Gordon was targeted 79 times. He allowed just 46 receptions and no touchdowns. In 2021, he allowed completions on just 20 of the 40 targets against him. Gordon is listed at 5-foot-11 1/2 and 194 pounds.
In selecting Gordon, the Bears have addressed a key void on their roster. Chicago struggled to solidify the cornerback position after releasing former All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller in March 2020. Kindle Vildor, Thomas Graham Jr. and Artie Burns each played alongside Jaylon Johnson at cornerback last season.
"I just know we have a player that we all love and were excited to be there at that time," said Bears national scout Francis Saint Paul, who scouted Gordon. "Personally, I didn't think he was going to be there at that time."
Gordon projects as an instant starter opposite of Johnson for the Bears’ defense.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.