2016 Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock 1.0

3rd round –  S, Su’a Cravens, USC (6’1 | 225 | 4.58)

The Bears need play-makers on defense and that is what Cravens has been for the Trojans for the last three seasons. The two time all Pac12 safety racked up 207 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles. Cravens could play multiple roles with the Bears; He has enough speed (4.58) and instincts in coverage to play strong safety and has the strength and physicality to play ILB in sub packages. The Bears got abused by tight ends and running backs out of the backfield most of the season and Cravens would be an instant upgrade to sub packages, better in coverage than Antrel Rolle, and potentially the play-maker the secondary lacked in 2015.

Cravens plays with his hair on fire at times which draws comparisons to Troy Polamalu, but also leads to his being out of position or over-running plays. I’d be fine with the occasional mistake from being too aggressive. The Bears defense needs more instinctive players who can make impact plays. Last year the defense had too many McClellin types who took so long to diagnose plays that the ball-carrier had 4-5 yards before being tackled. A few dynamic players like Cravens are exactly what the Bears defense need more of and he’s worth the risk in round three.