Bears Find Diamonds in the Rough
By John Vassar
Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive line backer Will Smith (7) wins the most valuable defensive player in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Will Smith ILB Texas Tech
While the ILB group is one of the shallowest of the draft, Will Smith has fallen through the cracks. He was a JUCO transfer and played only season for the Red Raiders. He has good speed, handles coverages well and is a good tackler. He does need work on getting off blocks and foot work. The Bears are still unsettled at LB and would not hurt to bring in another one, even if the draft one or two. With his speed, he could eventually turn out to be a special teams ace. He is 6’3′, 220# and ran a 4.68 40 at his Pro Day.
Ben Malena RB Texas A&M
Malena is one of those backs that got trapped in a rotation system at A & M. So that makes him hard to evaluate, but he is a good one. Yes, he is undersized at 5’9″ but shows initial quickness and gets to the hole fast. Is more of a cut back runner and does well running inside and outside. He is effective at getting yardage after contact, is a willing blocker and has good hands. Most of his pass catching was on short routes or check downs. He would be a nice counter style to Forte.
Casey Pachall QB TCU
Emery made it clear they would have an open casting call for a backup QB. If you had to sum up Pachall in one word it would be “tough”. He has overcome adversity, even if some of it was self inflicted. We know the story about his checking into substance abuse rehab in 2012 then in 2013 breaking his non throwing arm. No one can deny his talent and size, 6’4″ 216# and rocket arm. He was snubbed by the combine but had a respectable Pro Day. One thing is certain, Emery has a track record of bringing in guys that have faced troubles and grew up from it. Casey graduated from TCU and appears to have gotten his life together. He won 17 of his 23 starts at TCU with a 62% completion record.
This wraps up the sleepers and diamonds in the rough series. It will be interesting to see if the Bears take a chance on any of them.