Jaquiski Tartt: Chicago Bears Draft Prospect Profile
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
With the draft less than a week 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:
Didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school, which is why he ended up at a small school like Samford instead of the SEC. It took Tartt a few seasons to see the field, but once he did as a redshirt sophomore he dominated the FCS level. Tartt was a two-time FCS All-American, had 20 pass breakups, 6 interceptions. and earned a spot in the Senior Bowl.
Strengths:
Good size for a safety (6’1 | 221) and uses it with authority. Tartt is a fierce hitter over the middle, who FCS teams stayed away from over the last two seasons. He’s aggressive vs the run and usually takes proper angles to the ball. His primary strengths are run defense and intimidation, but Tartt has shown good instincts in pass coverage and a knack for attacking the ball at the catch point.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes his aggressive nature gets the best of him and Tartt will bite on play fakes, allowing a receiver to get behind him. Tartt has good straight-line speed for his size (4.53) but lacks the quickness to excel in man coverage against quicker receivers. It is a massive jump talent-wise from Samford to the NFL and it may take Tartt some time to adjust to the speed of the pro game.
Bears Fit:
Tartt fits the profile Bears DC Vic Fangio looks for in that he can play both safety positions. He may have the versatility to play both safety roles, but his best skills are being a fierce hitter against the run and crushing receivers who try to go across the middle. The Bears defense needs some toughness and intimidation and Tartt could bring both at a position of need across from veteran free safety Antrel Rolle.
Draft Projection:
3rd-4th round
Highlights: