Chicago Bears Draft Profile: LB John Timu

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears had one of the best overall drafts in recent history and signed some interesting undrafted free agents as well. Over the next week Beargoggleson will be breaking down the Bears draft picks and the undrafted free agents with a legitimate shot to make the 2015 roster. With a new management team taking over the leadership of the Bears and the Bears transitioning to new schemes on both sides of the ball, there will be significant roster turnover. Rumors are already circulating about some veteran players and recent draft picks that may not be on the roster in 2015. With all of the turnover in the front office and coaching staff, there is more of an opportunity than usual for rookies to make the team.

LB John Timu, Washington

Attributes:

Height | Weight: 6’1 | 246

40-time | 10-yard split: 4.80 | 1.64

Bench reps: 33

Vertical | Broad jump: 32″ | 9’4″

Overview:

The Bears signed Timu as a priority undrafted free agent after a stellar career at Washington. Timu was a two-time team captain and led a defense that had 3 first round picks and one 2nd rounder with 108 tackles last season. The Bears are switching to a 3-4 scheme and don’t have may inside linebackers with experience in an odd front alignment. Timu spent most of his time with the Huskies playing inside in a 3-4 front and often called called the defensive formations, that experience and ability to lead a defense could give Timu an edge in the competition for backup ILB roles. As I mentioned in the intro, this is a transition year and there are way more jobs open than in most seasons. The Bears new management team seems to value leadership as multiple rookies were former team captains. If the Bears are looking to add strong leaders and character guys, that will help Timu’s chances as well.

Stats / Highlights:

• 4 Year starter
• 2-Time team captain
• 338 tackles
• 13.5 TFLs
• 6 Interceptions, 2 returned for TDs
• 4 forced fumbles
• 2-time Honorable Mention All-Pac 12
• 2 time Academic Honorable Mention All-Pac 12