Luckily for the Bears, the 2010 draft class is full of quality safeties. The Bears have a roster full of Strong Safeties, but absolutely no quality or depth at the Free Safety position. While I’m still holding out hope for OJ Atogwe to come fill that need, some depth certainly wouldn’t hurt. I’m also looking for someone that could make an impact on special teams….and not at kick returner. While I’d love for Georgia Tech’s Morgan Burnett or South Florida’s Nate Allen to fall to the 3rd round, it’s just not going to happen. So let’s take a look at some other possibilities.
Major Wright 6’0″ 206 Florida (projected 3rd rd)
He reads and reacts quickly to the ball and gets there with excellent footwork and straight line speed (4.47 40-time). Has plenty of range over the middle and is quick to come downhill in run support. Closes quickly with good ball skills, and can deliver a good pop when needed. NFL scouts believe he’ll make an immediate impact on special teams with his physical play. While he has improved every year at Florida, he is coming out a year early as only a junior.
Kam Chancellor 6’3″ 232 Virginia Tech (proj. 3rd rd)
Kam switched from Strong Safety to Free Safety as a junior, and did struggle at times. But his physicality and great open field tackling made up for his 4.58 speed. Has great instincts, particularly in zone defenses, but is still an unfinished product. He is a pure athlete, and could help on special teams immediately. I’m just afraid that he might make a better Strong Safety at the NFL level. But with his size, it might be worth the gamble.
Darrell Stuckey 6’0″ 207 Kansas (projected 4th rd)
Very versatile and won’t be a size-speed mismatch regardless of where he lines up on a given down. Reads quarterbacks eyes, and anticipates throws underneath. He’s intimidating roaming the deep half with his 4.50 speed and will pound a receiver over the middle when needed. Can line up on a slot receiver when needed and can fill holes against the run. He is a secure tackler and another player that could make an immediate impact on special teams. He also can return kicks, so dumbass Jerry Angelo will probably trade up to get him.
Myron Rolle 6’2″ 217 Florida State (projected 6th rd)
Has only adequate 4.59 speed but good instincts. He is rarely out of position, and can locate the ball quickly. Can line up all over the field and can handle mulitple assignments….Lovie’s dream safety. With all that being said, with his size and only average speed, he might be a better Strong Safety. But I believe he is someone you can’t pass on if he’s still available in the 6th round. Added bonus: he’s actually smart, real smart. After gradutating from FSU, he spent a year at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Maybe he can teach Devin Hester how to read.
Robert Johnson 6’2″ 203 Utah (projected 6th rd)
Takes proper angles on receivers coming over the middle and can properly track the ball in the air. Has good range and can break up passes using his height. Has decent straight-line speed (4.56), but it’s his ball skills and good instincts that make him a valuable late round pick. Does struggle with man coverage, so Lovie’s Cover 2 defense might be the perfect fit for him.