Bears Questions: Do They Have a 4th Cornerback?

DeVante Bausby (6’2 | 179) – Tall corner who signed with his hometown Chiefs as an undrafted free agent after the draft but was signed by the Bears off the Chiefs practice squad during the 2015 season. Perhaps the Bears signed the 6’2 Bausby when they realized that the 6’2 corner they signed in free agency, Alan Ball, was terrible.

Bausby played at DII Pittsburgh St (with Cards WR John Brown) and was very productive with 11 interceptions during his time there. His length is ideal, but his timed speed has ranged anywhere from an impressive 4.42 (wind-aided) to an unacceptable 4.74 (against the wind). Bausby may not be fast enough to play corner at the NFL level and needs to get stronger, but has legit NFL athleticism with a 37.5″ vertical and 11′ broad jump.

He’s significantly better in zone coverage than man and diagnoses plays quickly when the play is in front of him and he can watch the QBs eyes. Bausby is a candidate to be moved to free safety, but may not have the strength in run support.

My best guess is that Bausby develops into a sub-package corner who can be matched up against the league’s taller receivers. A year or two in the weight room may put Bausby in the safety mix as well.

Deiondre Hall (6’2 | 199) – Has similar length and speed issues as Bausby, but is stouter against the run which gives Hall the potential to play safety in the future. Hall has the ball skills to play corner as well (13 interceptions last two seasons) and could help in 2016 as a match-up player against big receivers in sub-packages. For more on Hall, check out my draft recap article.

If I had to wager on it, I think Hall ultimately ends up at safety but I don’t think it will happen in 2015. Short-term, Hall should see the field some as a rookie corner due to his size, above-average instincts, and toughness in run support.

Next: Undrafted Rookie Corners