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!

Charles Tillman and Brandon Marshall chat with Adrian Peterson following the Bears’ 28-10 Week 12 win over the Vikings. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune)

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King released his 2012 season All-Pro Team and two Chicago Bears were named to the team.  Wide receiver Brandon Marshall and cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman were selected to King’s team.  Here’s a full list of King’s squad:  (more…)

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) celebrates with the fans following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears gave their fans an early Christmas present with a 28-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals to keep their playoff hopes alive.  It wasn’t pretty for the offense, as Jay Cutler was inconsistent early but the opportunistic Bears defense made a return with an early touchdown to set the stage for a dominant defensive performance against the struggling Cardinals offense. (more…)

The Bears signal a recovery of Adrian Peterson’s fumble. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune)

The Bears fended off division rival Minnesota Vikings and multiple injuries to secure a 28-10 win to snap a two game skid and take command of the NFC North with a 28-10 win.  They may have won the battle but the war may be more difficult to fight as the Bears sustained multiple casualties on both sides of the ball.  The extent of the injuries is unknown but there are plenty of them to discuss.  (more…)

Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) recovers a fumble by Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) at the goal line during the third quarter at Soldier Field. The Bears won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

The 13-7  score was not reflective of the defensive dominance that the Bears exhibited.  Until the closing moments, it appeared as though the Bears would get their first home shutout since 1993 and the first vs the Lions since the 60′s.  It was a darned impressive performance including a few red zone takeaways that kept the Lions stuck on a goose egg much of the game.

Charles Tillman blanketed the Lions big threat Calvin Johnson all night while Lance Briggs continues his All World play at linebacker.  Brian Urlacher moved better than he did all season while the defensive line continued to mix youth and energy with savvy and experience.  The only thing that was missing was a defensive touchdown, but you won’t hear a lot of complaints from a Bears unit that limited the once-feared Lions offense to a single, garbage time score.

For the offense, if you missed the opening drive, you missed the bulk of the highlights.  Jay Cutler led an impressive opening drive and that was about it.  The Bears added a couple of Robbie Gould Field Goals and had another blocked in a night where the offense struggled a bit.  The offensive line looked overmatched by the Lions front for much of the night, especially in the passing game.  A lot of the offense’s limitations were the result of a hurt (not injured) Jay Cutler.  He clearly wasn’t himself after a vicious hit delivered by Ndamukong Suh.

Stay tuned for plenty more coverage including a status on Jay Cutler’s bruised ribs and other injury news.  That’s it for my abbreviated postgame report.

Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears punt returner Devin Hester (23) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE

Devin Hester vs Lions Special Teams

Let’s not beat around the bush – the Lions’ special teams are horrible.  They pretty much single-handedly awarded September’s Special Teams Player of the Month awards to Percy Harvin and Darius Reynaud, a pair of opponents which had return touchdowns against the Lions.  The Lions gave up both kickoff and punt returns in consecutive weeks to the Vikings and Titans.

Hester has looked like he was set to break one over the last couple of weeks.  In fact, his last return touchdown came against the Lions when they visited Soldier Field last season. (more…)

Brandon Marshall, Peanut Tillman and Lance Briggs celebrate during the Bears’ 41-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune)

After a 41-3 victory over the Jaguars, there are plenty of worthy candidates for our Week 5 Game Ball.  That might not have been the case at halftime, but a 38-0 second half propelled the Bears to an easy victory.  Let’s see our nominees. (more…)

Woodny Turenne picks off a Brett Basanez pass in training camp last season. (Photo courtesy of SI Kids)

I’ve been very critical of the Bears and their lack of depth at the cornerback position.  Once you get past Zack Bowman and Peanut Tillman, there’s not much there.  Corey Graham is inconsistent at best and besides him, you’ve got a couple of midgets in DJ Moore and Tim Jennings and rookie Joshua Moore.

ProFootball Weekly hears whispers that undrafted 2nd year man Woodny Turenne, who spent last season on the practice squad could be gaining momentum as the third cornerback.

The feeling among many hangers-on at Halas Hall is that CB Woodny Turenne, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, warrants consideration for the No. 3 CB job. Said one team insider: “He’s got really good size (6-0, 184) and is faster than people thought he would be. I think he’s a better prospect than (2009 fourth-round pick) D.J. Moore.

Considering the injury history of both Tillman and Bowman, finding some added depth at the cornerback spot is a battle to keep an eye on as camp approaches.

BEAR DOWN!!!

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