Football Memo

With the 14th Pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, The Bears Select: Kyle Fuller

Kyle Fuller, CB, 6-0, 190, Virginia Tech
Key stats: 
Had 173 tackles and 24.5 tackles for loss in career.
Strengths: 
Is a big, long, tough and fast corner, who plays the position with abandon. … Has versatility to switch to safety. … Is very physical, almost reckless at times. … Good in press coverage. … Has good hands and makes difficult catches. … Is effective challenging passes once they are in the air, and does a good job locating and driving on passes. … Really flies up in run support. … Very physical tackler. … Is a good blitzer. … Has experience returning kicks. … Competitive, hard worker, who was named team captain.
Weaknesses: 
Plays a little high, especially when coming out of backpedal. … Doesn’t possess great quickness. … Is too aggressive at times. … Keeps eyes in backfield too long. .. Can be had on double moves. … Allows receivers to close cushion, and Fuller waits too long to open up and run. … Needs to sink his hips to help come out of breaks more quickly. … Misses some tackles, due to being overly aggressive. … Lunges and loses feet.
Conclusion: 
Fuller doesn’t possess many flaws as a prospect. … He’s long, tough, competitive and has good ball skills. … At the moment, he doesn’t possess elite coverage skills, but as he improves technique and adds functional strength, he should show major progress. … If he continues to struggle in man coverage, Fuller could become a very good safety. … I see Fuller as a playmaker. … He likely will start his career at corner and really help on special teams.
NFL comparison: 
Stephon Gilmore/Devin McCourty.

Kyle Fuller is on his way to Chicago.

Kyle Fuller is on his way to Chicago.

Why This Works:  The Bears need to add some depth to an injury prone set of dynamic cornerbacks in Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman. Kyle Fuller can play anywhere on the field and will succeed as a nickelback. He will soon rise to a number two or even a number one cornerback, as Chicago’s secondary ages out.

Draft Grade:  A – Chicago’s horse went off the board when Arron Donald was selected by St. Louis at 13. Chicago recovered well with this strategic selection.

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