Bears Go for Two in Round 2: Be Versatile
By John Vassar
Nov 30, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Charles Sims (3) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against Iowa State Cyclones at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Iowa State Cyclones defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 52-44 in the third overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
I have been writing a lot about the Bears wanting more versatile players. Emery showed that during the UFA period and certainly laid that down last night when he drafted Kyle Fuller. Now days, when I read the initial scouting reports, I am looking for that word, versatile. It is the current mantra in the NFL defensive world and it is one the Bears have repeatedly stated.
As a follow up to the Fuller pick, most analyst that I’ve read give the Bears a B+ to an A on this first round selection. Now on to Round two (will post Round three after round two). This round is more complicated and will be really fluid based on who is available. I believe it is wide open for the Bears and they could go in several directions with both picks. So let’s spin the wheel again and see what we get.
1. Pundits, Draftniks and Beat Writers:
Opinions will now vary greatly here. The general consensus will be defensive tackle. It makes sense, the Bears could use one more prospect to get ready for the eventual retirement of Ratliff, Idonije and Allen. We can easily see seven to ten tackles available. Personally, I wouldn’t be bothered with a DT here at 51 or the 19th pick of round two. The puzzle is which one, and boy, you could argue for several. Thinking versatility again, and don’t forget it, you would have to favour Jernigan. The major drawback to Jernigan is did he really fail his drug test? If he is there at 51, and Bears pass then you and I will know.
So assume a few DT are taken, Hageman and Jernigan especially. Couple of Quarterbacks, a running back, toss in a couple of DE’s, corners and wide receivers and there will be a defensive tackle to their liking. Who? that leads us to my selection.
2. Emery will draft:
Here I will have Emery taking three players, one is the primary. The second is “oh shoot who is next” and third is the “well we have to do something” selection. All things being equal, and Hageman and Jernigan are gone (either Jernigan is drafted or is too big of a risk), Emery goes with Will Sutton, DT Arizona State. Forget the weight issue during his senior year, that was at the coaches request and his performance suffered. Since losing the weight, his pro day and private workouts have been excellent. He brings versatility in that he can play one gap and three technique. He is a hard worker, good pass rusher off the edge, and loads of upside. All elements Emery looks for in a player. Like Donald a shade undersized but is dynamic and explosive. If he is gone and no one else appeals to Emery at DT in the second then look for ….
Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB Georgia Tech. Even with five linebackers on the roster this bunch is shaky. Williams is injury prone and on a one year deal. Briggs is on his last year of his contract and about finished. The kids have yet to prove themselves and would suspect one of them not to meet expectations. Attaochu brings versatility, can pass rush standing over tackle or three point stance, disciplined player and good athlete. Decent coverage skills. Can play Will or Sam adding flexibility. Has plenty of upside and would be a good choice to step in if Greene or one of the others don’t.
Lastly, the “well we have to do something” pick. Here I think the Bears would look at offense if DT and any other defensive selection are not there. Remember, we don’t force picks. As Emery has stated the value of the player has to match the round. Charles Sims, RB West Virginia. Forte won’t be there forever, and Michael Ford is untested. Sims is a good all around back and many compare him to Forte, just not as smooth as Matt. Has a good burst through the hole, patient to let blocks set up and can shift and cut back on a dime. Good size at 6′ 214 pounds and plays faster than his size.
There are many variables that can change this round in a heart beat. So even more exciting than round one will be these two selections for they too will be looked upon to make an impact. I will add the third round after the second, as it is a waste of time to put names up if gone.
Selection: Ego Ferguson DT LSU. Not a total surprise but thought maybe round 3. Typical Emery player, huge upside and big and mean. Raw and will need work but certainly a good choice. Yes, they passed on Sutton and a few others but this is the one they wanted and not too far of a reach. So in the 3rd round there are three possibilities for the Bears and will choose between: Philip Gaines CB Rice. Good physical corner that could be a S. Jaylen Watkins, CB Florida. Another versatile corner with more of a FS attitude and one that could move to S. Lastly, will go with Charles Sims. See above.