Chicago Bears Trade Back Targets In 2014 NFL Draft
By Erik Lambert
Nov 2, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs cornerback Jason Verrett (2) during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. West Virginia won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The top prospects at #14 have been combed over pretty good. So what are some targets the Chicago Bears can pinpoint if they trade back?
Jason Verrett – CB – TCU
If he were even two inches taller there is no question Jason Verrett would be the best cornerback in the 2014 NFL draft. The kid is a complete football player. He can play man. He can play zone. Toughness and explosion allow him to deliver hits, make solid tackles and stick to a receiver downfield. He could become a fixture at nickel corner for the Bears and perhaps even the heir apparent to the 30-year old Tim Jennings.
Bradley Roby – CB – Ohio State
Athletes have become one of the buzz words for the new Bears draft approach and OhioState corner Bradley Roby is among the best. Blazing fast with good length and agility, nobody is going to beat him deep. He has moments of brilliance and doesn’t shy away as a tackler but his technique is shoddy and he needs to be more disciplined. Added promise in the return game will really interest the Bears.
Stephon Tuitt – DE – Notre Dame
Injury and weight concerns have dented the draft stock of Stephon Tuitt. The fact he’s still a borderline first round pick also says how good of a prospect he is. Not only does he boast size and strength befitting a top defensive lineman, he’s also quite fast and agile too. When his motor runs hot there really isn’t anybody who can block him. His athleticism allows him to move all over the place, meaning he has the skill to play inside or outside in various schemes.
Ryan Shazier – OLB – Ohio State
Linebacker is far from being settled for the Chicago Bears defense. It seems stable for the moment with a nice mixture of old veterans and athletic youngsters but depth and a proven long-term option are still problems. Ryan Shazier is a perfect fit for their scheme. He’s long, athletic and probably the fastest outside linebacker in the 2014 class. He flies all over the field, makes tackles and even creates havoc with the occasional blitz.
Kony Ealy – DE – Missouri
Jared Allen, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston were added to revamp the defensive end position but that doesn’t mean the Bears have to stop filling it with talent. Provided they trade back first, there is no reason they can’t add a young talent like Kony Ealy. He has the ideal size, strength and motor for their system with a bevy of pass rush skills in his arsenal and the upside to get even better.
Ra’Shede Hageman – DT – Minnesota
Phil Emery, the Chicago Bears GM always seems to have an eye for intriguing physical specimens. Kyle Long was a perfect example last year. So it’s pretty reasonable to think he has his eye on Minnesota defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman. At 6’6″, 310 lbs, with 34-inch arms he has the measurables and power that Emery highlighted as keys to his updated defensive line requirements. Hageman also possesses rare athleticism and speed for a man his size, speaking to the enormous upside he has. Technique however shows his rawness and he’s 24-years old already. He could be a boom of a pick, but isn’t worth the risk at #14.