Chicago Bears – CB Free Agent Targets

Low-risk / High-upside Targets:

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Chris Cook (27, 6’2) – At 6’2, 212 Cook would be an ideal fit across from Tim Jennings. The former 2nd round pick was a disappointment for the Vikings, but sometimes it takes a few years for a player to adapt to the NFL. Cook hasn’t shown many signs of being a starting caliber corner yet, but the talent is there and perhaps a different scheme, a change of scenery, and better coaching could make a difference and unlock Cook’s considerable potential. I think the Bears cover-2 scheme is the ideal fit for Cook’s skill-set and a $2M dice roll makes sense to me.

Terrell Thomas (29, 6’1) – Former 2nd round pick out of USC, Thomas missed the 2011 & 2012 seasons with ACL injuries and was inconsistent in his first year back. He showed flashes of his pre-injury form in 4 games with a 2+ grade, but also has two miserable games (Den, SD). Thomas no longer has the speed to turn and run with the league’s top receivers but would be a good fit in the Bears zone scheme. He’s also a good tackler and a could improve the Bears run defense.

Dominique Franks (26, 6’0) – Strong corner who is a sure tackler and would be better off in a zone coverage scheme. Franks struggles a bit in man coverage and doesn’t have great hands, but could provide good depth for the Bears with enough talent to win a starting job if he continues to improve.

Mike Jenkins (29, 6’0) – Talented corner and former 1st round pick who has struggled to play well consistently so far in his NFL career. Has all the physical tools to be a lock-down corner and an ideal size (6’0) / speed (4.38) ratio. Jenkins has his best season in 2013 so he could be figuring it out, but he still wasn’t very good (-2.6 grade). He would be a low-risk signing for the Bears that could pay off big-time if Jenkins ever puts it together for more than a game or two.

 Twitter: @MikeFlannery_