Football Memo

NFC North Draft Grades: Chicago Bears

Cornerback Kyle Fuller

Cornerback Kyle Fuller

Chicago Bears
Analysis:
The Bears came into this draft with huge question marks at defensive tackle and safety. With its first selection, Chicago couldn’t pass on cornerback Kyle Fuller out of Virginia Tech. Fuller is an all-around corner. He can cover, and is a very physical tackler. Fuller also has the versatility to play on the outside, but with Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings penciled in as starters, he most likely will begin his career as a slot corner. I could also see Fuller transitioning to safety later in his career. With their next two selections, the Bears addressed the defensive tackle position by grabbing LSU’s Ego Ferguson in the second round, and Will Sutton in the third round. I like the way the picks complement each other. Ferguson is more of a block-occupying tackle, who is stout against the run. Sutton, on the other hand, is a penetrating 3-technique tackle. In the fourth round, Chicago added some depth and insurance at running back with the selection of Ka’Deem Carey. With Matt Forte carrying the load, Carey can step in as a rotational back, possibly even replacing the departed Michael Bush as the No. 2 guy for the Bears. Carey isn’t going to break many long runs, but he’s physical for a smaller back (5-9½, 207), and his hard-charging, one-cut style will fit well in Chicago. With another fourth-round selection, the Bears added safety Brock Vereen, who can immediately upgrade a weakness in Chicago’s deep secondary. The brother of Patriots running back Shane Vereen, Brock is a bit undersized (5-11½, 200), but is physical and displays good range. I could see Vereen challenging for playing time at safety, or possibly as a fourth or fifth cornerback. The Bears added quarterback David Fales – a prolific passer at San Jose State – to provide depth at the position. With its remaining two selections, Chicago picked punter Patrick O’Donnell, and tackle Charles Leno. O’Donnell could step right into the starting role this season and Leno hopefully will add some depth and versatility to the offensive line. The Bears addressed what they should have during this draft, but aside from Fuller, this was a solid, but not a spectacular draft.
Grade: B-

Chicago Bears – 2014 Draft Selections
1 (14) Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
2 (51) Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU
3 (82) Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State
4 (117) Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona
4 (131) Brock Vereen, DB, Minnesota
6 (183) David Fales, QB, San Jose State
6 (191) Patrick O’Donnell, P, Miami
7 (246) Charles Leno, OT, Boise State

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