Chicago Bears have 'throwback' player in Kwiatkoski
Chicago Bears fourth-round draft pick Nick Kwiatkoski is exactly the kind of guy coach John Fox had in mind when he asked general manager Ryan Pace to provide him with "throwback" players in last month's draft.
The West Virginia linebacker led the Mountaineers in tackles in each of the previous three seasons while earning a reputation as a reliable tackler who's always around the ball.
Instincts and athleticism played a big role in the 6-foot-2, 243-pounder's production, and he credits much of that to extensive film study. But he also endeared himself to the Bears with important intangibles like work ethic, toughness, effort and attitude - qualities that Fox wants more of as he builds his Bears team.
"John would come in my office throughout the season and go, 'Hey, I want throwback players,' " Pace said. "(Kwiatkoski) definitely fits that mold."
That's exactly how Kwiatkoski was described by draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki in his NFL Draft 2016 Preview, when he wrote of the Mountaineers' team captain: "Versatile, active, highly competitive 'backer who fits a 'throwback' mold."
Kwiatkoski, who started games at all three linebacker positions in West Virginia's 4-3 scheme, understands what it means to be a "throwback" player.
"Just a guy who comes to work every day, no matter the circumstances," he said. "That's pretty much it. Just someone who is constantly working hard to get better.
"That's important in any situation. If you're not trying to get better, you're not really doing anything. You should always be working to improve something, whether it's in practice or the weight room or anything."
That approach was important in last weekend's rookie minicamp. Kwiatkoski also was able to flash the instincts the Bears believe will carry over and help him contribute sooner rather than later, even though he will be begin playing behind veteran free-agent additions Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman.
"His No. 1 trait when you're looking for a linebacker is instincts, because you can't coach that," Pace said after the Bears traded up four spots in Round 4 to take Kwiatkoski with the 113th overall pick.
"He just reacts so quick, and he attacks downhill, so he's making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. I think those instincts transfer to whatever level you're playing at."
Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says Kwiatkoski's natural instincts are especially valuable in the middle of the defense.
"The inside linebacker position and the safety position are the two positions that instincts are very critical," Fangio said. "It can make up for a lot of tough plays when the guy's instinctive enough and recognizes it quick enough."
Though the emphasis in minicamp was more about learning the defense, the favorite part of the weekend for Kwiatkoski was what it would be for any "throwback" player.
"It was good to just put a helmet back on," he said, smiling. "It's been awhile. To actually get out here and play football instead of 40 (-yard dash) training or jumping, it's a good feeling."
• The Bears on Monday signed a fourth tryout player from last weekend's rookie minicamp: Louisiana-Lafayette's 6-foot-3, 315-pound offensive lineman Donovan Williams.
The Bears also waived center Dan Buchholz, defensive tackle Bruce Gaston, tight end Marcus Lucas and wide receiver Nathan Palmer (Northern Illinois).
On Sunday, the Bears signed three tryout players: wide receiver Kieren Duncan, defensive lineman Kenton Adeyemi and North Dakota State punter Dan LeCompte of Barrington.
• Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere.
2016-17 Bears schedule
<b>Preseason</b>DATE: OPPONENT, TIME
Thursday, Aug 11: vs Denver, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug 18: at New England, 7 p.m.
Sat, Aug 27: vs Kansas City, noon
Thursday, Sept. 1: at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
<b>Regular season</b>DATE: OPPONENT, TIME
Sunday, Sept 11: at Houston, noon (FOX)
Monday, Sept. 19: vs Philadelphia. 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Sept 25: at Dallas 7:30 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct 2: vs Detroit, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Oct 9: at Indianapolis, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Oct 16: vs Jacksonville, noon (CBS)
Thursday, Oct 20: at Green Bay, 7:25 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Oct 31: vs Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Week 9: No Bears game
Sunday, Nov 13 at Tampa Bay, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Nov 20: at New York Giants, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Nov 27: vs Tennessee, noon (CBS)
Sunday, Dec 4: vs San Francisco, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Dec 11: at Detroit, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Dec 18: vs Green Bay, noon (FOX)
Saturday, Dec 24: vs Washington, noon (FOX)
Sunday, Jan 1: at Minnesota, noon (FOX)