Vernon Hargreaves III Could Solve Chicago Bears Coverage Woes
By Erik Lambert
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) looks on against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When the Chicago Bears decided to install the 3-4 defense for the first time in franchise history, they knew challenges lay ahead. Topping that list was the issue of finding the right personnel to fit it. Through the first six games of the 2015 season, it is becoming apparent that the team suffers from a number of deficiencies, most notably their secondary.
No Bears defensive back has an interception this season. All of their corners have struggled in coverage, with much of the blame falling on former first round pick Kyle Fuller who has not progressed as many hoped at cornerback. Given the importance of that position in a 3-4, with all the man coverage responsibilities, it’s becoming harder and harder to see GM Ryan Pace avoiding that position early in the 2016 draft.
If that proves the case, then they have to take a long, hard look at Florida junior cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. Most scouting outlets agree he is by far the best cover man in college football, possessing all the traits of a player who can hang on an island with top receivers.
"“It is hard not to gush about Hargreaves as he combines quickness, balance and route-recognition to excel in coverage with rare physicality and open-field tackling ability to be just as effective in run support and when blitzing off the corner. He possesses good size for the position with a compact, athletic frame.Scouts will also appreciate that unlike some of the other highly regarded defensive backs throughout the country, Hargreaves is far from just a cover corner. He’s very aggressive in run support, fighting his way through blocks and showing zero hesitation in taking on bigger ball carriers.”"
*Skip to 4:10 to see why he’s good
There is no doubt this kid is the total package, much more so at least on tape than Fuller was coming out of Virginia Tech. The reality is the Bears can’t rely on the hope that the former 14th overall pick can turn things around. Sadly first round cornerback have a high miss rate in the draft, and he’s looking like another on that list.
Next: Chicago Bears: 5 Possible Developmental Quarterbacks
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