Stephone Anthony: Chicago Bears Draft Prospect Profile
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With the draft two weeks away Beargoggleson will continue breaking down a wide range of options for the Chicago Bears in the 2015 draft. We started with the potential first round options, are now profiling some possible day 2 prospects, and will finish up with some under the radar day 3 players who I think could be good fits for the Bears new schemes on both sides of the ball. As always, if you have any complaints, advice, or questions please let us know in the comments or on Twitter.
College Career:
Led the Tigers in tackles the last two seasons. Anthony was the leader and co-captain of the #1 ranked defense in college football last season. He was first team all-ACC and a Butkis award semifinalist. Anthony was inconsistent the first two years of his career, but over the last two seasons became a force in the middle of one of the best defenses in the country.
Strengths:
Anthony has great instincts which allows him to play as fast as his timed speed (4.53) and is a fluid athlete with the ability to rush the passer, cover TEs, and be the sideline-to-sideline run stopper. He shows great patience inside, waiting to see where the play is going before he reacts, and seems to always be in the right place.
Weaknesses:
Occasionally struggles to disengage from blockers and gets fooled by play-action once in a while. Anthony is one of my favorite players in the draft and has few weaknesses imo.
Bears Fit:
The ILBs in Vic Fangio’s scheme with the Niners were athletic, versatile players who excelled in both run support and pass coverage. The Bears have no players capable of that currently on their roster except perhaps 2nd year LB Christian Jones. Former 2nd round pick Jon Bostic could flourish under Fangio’s tutelage, but that leaves the Bears with two “maybes” at ILB. Anthony has the speed and athleticism to be a sideline-to-sideline run stopper, the size to cover tight ends, and the instincts to be an effective blitzer when needed. Anthony has the potential to be a NaVarro Bowman type player for the Bears and could be a steal in the 2nd round.
Highlights: