Bear Goggles On
Fansided

The Chicago Bears 2017 Seven Round Mock Draft

By Bryan Dietzler

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 8
Next
Nov 12, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Tedric Thompson (9) warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Tedric Thompson (9) warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Honestly, I would prefer that the Bears took a safety a bit earlier in the draft but if they don’t and end up taking one this late it could still pay dividends.  There are plenty of late round safeties that might make an impact. Once such player is Colorado’s, Tedric Thompson.

Thompson has good size for the safety position coming in at six feet while weighing 200 pounds.  He was productive in college and has some nice upside.

Pro Football Focus says of his strong points:

"Plus speed and shows good range as both a split safety and center fielder. Shows good instincts when attacking the flats on either stretch runs, tosses or screen passes. Shows ability to cover receivers as a split safety using his leverage correctly. Highest tackling efficiency in passing game for all draft eligible  safeties. QBs had a rating of 21.3 when targeting him in 2016, the lowest mark in FBS among safeties with at least 25 targets against. Superior ball skills – anticipates his breaks well can track the ball like a wide receiver and attack the ball in the air ahead of his man. Third-best yards per cover snap of draft-eligible safeties in Pac-12."

He does have some weak aspects that need to be considered.  He could add some additional strength and some feel his height is a weakness but some consider it a strength.  There have been some issues with a concussion he previously suffered and some missed time because of it.  That will need to be looked at by a team’s medical staff. Thompson can be overaggressive and miss tackles or get caught out of position.  He does need to work on his tackling technique as poor technique can cost him dearly in the NFL.

The Bears are stocking up on players in the secondary and are sure to grab some additional guys in this draft.  With the need at safety being a big one, the Bears need all the help they can get at the position.  Grabbing a guy like Thompson this late in the draft could help.

Ultimately, the Bears have to pick a safety at some point in this draft.

Alternate Pick: Caleb Peterson-G-University of North Carolina-The Bears could use a little more depth on the offensive line so grabbing a guy at the end of the draft would be smart.  Peterson can run block well and has improved in pass protection.  He would be a solid developmental prospect.

Home/Chicago Bears News