Chicago Bears Draft Prospect Preview: Cornerback B.W. Webb
By Heather Pink
B.W. Webb at the 2013 NFL Combine
Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; William
Let’s face it. Peanut Tillman isn’t getting any younger. Tim Jennings shined this year alongside Tillman, but it’s time the Chicago Beras started stacking the defensive backfield. The Bears haven’t struck gold yet with Chris Conte, Greg McCoy, or Brandon Hardin. Time to find a defensive back that will actually make a difference.
So how about B.W. Webb? He’s not a top five cornerback, but we don’t need to use our first two picks on a guy like Webb. But, the fourth round pick is promising for this guy. Here’s some of his stats from NFL.com and TribeAthletics.com:
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 184 lbs.
Position Rank: 11/12
Arm Length: 30 1/4″
Hands: 9 3/8″
40-yard dash: 4.51
Vertical Jump: *40.5 inches*
Broad Jump: *132 inches*
Stats at William & Mary:
2012: Started 11 games, 46 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, one touchdown off a punt return
2011: 11 games, 40 tackles, two interceptions
2010: 12 games, 42 tackles, one interception, one touchdown off a punt return
2009: 14 games, 23 tackles, 8 interceptions (two of which were touchdowns)
B.W. Webb played four years at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Viriginia. And yes, I had to look that one up. I’d never heard of William & Mary until today. In his redshirt freshman year, Webb recorded eight interceptions then was named Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Freshman of the Year. Even though William & Mary finished 2-9 overall in 2012, that shouldn’t turn you off of B.W. Webb.
When watching his tapes, the first thing that popped in my mind is that he has the mentality of the Chicago Bears defense. Take aways, interceptions, etc. Some of his strong abilities is tracking the ball down the field, and competition in the air. He has extraordinary leaping abilities to get the tip, and is active with his hands (but not too active). Another very strong characteristic he has is his speed. Playing at William & Mary, his on-field speed was astounding and he smoked everyone on the field. But I can’t help but wonder how much of that speed will transfer to the NFL.
Another reason why I think he’s a great fit for the Bears is his ability to wrap up opponents to make the tackle. Such a fundamental that many Bears players in the backfield simply can’t grasp. He may not have the power to push players back with his tackles, but he gets the job done. He also a good sense of patience as a tackler that most college players do not have coming into the pros.
His biggest weakness from the things I’ve heard and read is his abilities in man coverage. In college, Webb played in a zone coverage a lot. Some say that he lacks the backpedalling abilities because of his lack of man coverage. Webb’s primary focus should be man coverage, and learning from whichever veteran on his team about it.
All in all, I’m a big fan of B.W. Webb. He hasn’t recorded any on or off the field problems. From the things I’ve read, seems like a very determined, driven player with a great competitive attitude. His tape reminds of Tim Jennings, which is a good thing. Man coverage can be taught, but how quick will he learn? Having Lance Briggs as a teacher is probably the best he can get. His intangibles are astounding, and the Bears should start adding to their shutdown backfield before they’re all too old to move. Oh, did I mention he can play on special teams too?
Bears fans, what do you think? Is B.W. Webb the next Peanut Tillman or Tim Jennings? Is there another guy that the Bears could take late that might be better than Webb? Make sure to comment!