Chicago Bears Round 2 – Best Available Players
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The first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is in the books and the Bears are off to an exciting start with WR Kevin White from West Virginia. Boomer covered the White pick last night and now I’m going to break down the best seven players still available in round 2 for the Bears. The Bears pick seventh in the 2nd round, so at least one of these players will be there when the Bears pick.
Just to be clear, these aren’t necessarily the best seven players available, but the best players for the Bears based on their position needs and depth. At the end of the list I made my choice for the Bears best pick. As usual, if you have any complaints, comments, or suggestions please let me know in the comments or on Twitter.
Round 2: Best Available
SS Landon Collins, Alabama
Physical safety who excels as an in-the-box run stopper and is a big time hitter against both the run and receivers over the middle. Collins closes on ball carriers like a missile and will improve the run defense from day 1 wherever he ends up. He has text-book tackling form and usually takes the proper angle to the ball, so he’s basically the opposite of the Bears safeties last season.
His coverage skills were considered somewhat of a weakness before this season, but Collins improved significantly this year and even played some snaps as a 1-deep free safety for the Tide. Collins should have no problem matching up with TEs and RBs out of the backfield, but probably isn’t quick enough to cover slot WRs in man. He’s solid in zone coverage as long as the play is in front of him, but has a tendency to let receivers get behind him which has led to him getting burned deep a few times (Auburn, Ole Miss) last year. Besides that there isn’t much not to like. Collins would be the favorite to start as a rookie at strong safety next to free agent signing Antrell Rolle.
OT Jake Fisher, Oregon
Good size, long arms, and moves his feet well enough to deal with speed rushers off the edge. Oregon’s offense struggled when Fisher was out for a few weeks and improved immediately on his return which reflects well on his impact. He moves very well for his size with the quick feet to handle the left side and a good enough run blocking technique to play on the right. Fisher is an intelligent player with no clear weak spots except a lack of elite strength and should be able to contribute on either side of the line right away.