Chicago Bears’ 2017 Positional Needs: Cornerback
The 2017 NFL Draft is a place the Bears can find help at cornerback. Starting talent is typically found in the first three rounds but the Bears will probably won’t be looking for a cornerback too early. There aren’t any worth taking at number three but Chicago could trade down and grab one in the middle of the first round. Picking up some extra draft picks would be a big plus.
Chicago can either go for starter or for someone to let develop over the course of a season or two.
In looking at some possibilities at cornerback in the draft, let’s look at one prospect in the first three rounds (one each rated first, second and third). Then, let’s check out three more they could be interested in, in the later rounds.
Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore is rated as the top cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft. Maybe the Bears would take him at number three? There is probably not a chance, for that he’s not worth the third pick in the draft. It’s possible they could trade down a little bit, picking up additional picks and get him a little later. But is it even feasible for the Bears to take a cornerback in the first round? Maybe not. Other needs outweigh the need for a cornerback.
A more likely scenario, if the Bears don’t take a quarterback in the second round, is that they could take a cornerback. This would also hold true if they didn’t get one in free agency. Picking early in the second round should give them a shot at most of the second round rated corners. Who is the best of the bunch in the second round?
Iowa’s Desmond King has turned a lot of heads, especially NFL scouts, and could prove himself worthy of the Bears pick in the second round. Some of the talk is that he could convert to safety and that wouldn’t be bad for the Bears. They could use him at either of those two positions. Would Chicago have any interest?
One of the better third round cornerback prospects is Colorado’s’ Chidobe Awuzie. Some draft experts think he could go even earlier than he is currently projected. But if he was to last until the third round, he could be a steal. He is a physical corner that could shut down receivers and he could adapt very well to the NFL. He plays the run well and has a lot of starting experience.
Now, let’s look at three prospects who could be drafted by the Bears in the later rounds (rounds four through six). Three names that stick out the most include Colorado’s Ahkello Witherspoon, Florida State’s Marquez White and Missouri’s Aarion Penton.
These late round prospects could be developed over the period of a season then step in and be effective contributors in 2018 (hopefully). They could play in a pinch due to injury, as well, and provide the Bears some depth and hope for the future.
The NFL Draft is a great place to find talent and the Bears need to strike it rich in the draft. If they can find the right cornerback(s), they can set themselves up for the long-term.