It’s been over a week since Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace completed his second draft with the team and on paper it could be even better than the 2015 draft, which included five players who should start for the Bears in 2016. I doubt five players from this year’s class will earn starting gigs this season, but they all have a chance to contribute in some phase of the game for the Bears.
I’ve already covered the Bears first four picks in part one and will get to the projected roles and 2016 stats for the rest of the rookie class below.
For more on the Bears picks, check out our Draft Podcast.
Fourth Round (#124 overall) – S Deon Bush, Miami
Grade: C
This was my least favorite of the Bears 2016 draft choices, but it was strong class and Bush does have potential. My main issue with the pick is that there were a few safeties left that I had graded significantly higher than Bush still available (KJ Dillon, Jalen Mills, Jayron Kearse).
If Bush had declared for the draft after his 2014 season, getting him in the fourth round would have been a steal for the Bears. Unfortunately he took a significant step back in 2015 and looked like a different player. Bush often looked lost in coverage, was late to react to plays in front of him, and missed way too many tackles.
One constant over the last two years is that Bush can really hit. He brings an aggressive, attacking approach to the safety position that the Bears have lacked for years. Bush’s ability to lay people out gives him a solid floor as a special teams asset. Even if he never regains his 2014 form and doesn’t see the field at safety, Bush has the speed, athleticism, and hitting ability to be a core special teams player over the next few seasons.
The fourth round is a bit high for a special teams only player, but Bush does have the physical tools and talent to develop into a starting caliber NFL safety. I just don’t think it is going to happen in his rookie season.
Projected Role: Backup safety and special teams asset
Projected Stats: 16 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Next: CB/S Deiondre Hall