In Part 4 of our series, we looked at the top 5 outside linebackers the Chicago Bears should target in the 2014 NFL draft. Now, in part 5, we’ll take a look at one of the deepest positions in the draft — cornerback.
The Bears finished up the 2013 season with several cornerbacks due to hit free agency, including starters Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings and Zack Bowman. The team has since re-signed Tillman to a one-year deal and Jennings to a multi-year deal, but with age being a factor among the Bears starters, it couldn’t hurt for the team to still target the position in the draft.
Luckily for Emery and the Bears, the cornerback position is very well represented:
Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) reacts during the game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
1 — Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
Gilbert would be an absolute steal for the Bears at the No. 14 pick. He’s a clear-cut top ten talent, but may slip due to the flux of quarterbacks and linemen that will go ahead of him. At 6-0, 202 he’s got incredible size for the position and runs a 4.37. Not only is Gilbert a great press man and zone coverage corner, but he’s also got the size and strength to set the edge on the run — something the Bears desperately need help with heading into 2014. Gilbert is the no-brainer choice if he’s available and would have at least a year behind Tillman and Jennings to acclimate himself to the NFL.