Chicago Bears: Six Potential 2017 NFL Draft Targets
By Erik Lambert
There is a long wait before the Chicago Bears think about the NFL draft again, but it’s never to early to pinpoint some possible 2017 targets.
So far the team seems to have set themselves up to make a run at the playoffs this year, which is great news considering how down and out they were just two years ago. Still, it’s a very young team that still has flaws. One more off-season will likely be needed to shore up the rest of the problem areas.
It is for this reason that the Bears should keep a close eye on some of these names as the draft draws closer next April. They could fill some of the biggest holes or bolster notable weaknesses. In the end it will come down to who is available when the draft starts and also when the Bears pick.
Eddie Jackson (S, Alabama)
Three safeties have been drafted by the Bears since Ryan Pace took over as GM. It’s clear he holds high value at the position, but thus far every pick has been in the 4th round or later. Adrian Amos looks like he could be a capable long-term starter but rookies Deon Bush and Deandre Houston-Carson are unknowns at this point. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves athletic and aggressive safeties who can make plays, so unless they find an effective combination this season, don’t be surprise if they go back to the well again next year.
Eddie Jackson turned a lot of head for Alabama in 2015. Originally a corner, he was shifted to safety and settled in almost right away. He finished with a whopping six interceptions and 46 tackles on the year, demonstrating his instinct for playing deep coverage and also sticking his nose in against ball carriers. The size isn’t an issue, though he could afford to add a couple pounds but otherwise the kid is another in a long line of quality Crimson Tide defensive backs.
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