Chicago Bears finish draft with high upside cornerback
The Chicago Bears finished off their draft by taking Stephen Denmark, a high upside player from a small school
Earlier in the 2019 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears added an unknown slot cornerback from a bigger school in Duke Shelley. Shelley is not physically imposing but has good football skills. Now they go for the high upside from a small school in Stephen Denmark.
Denmark comes in, not only tall but over 6’1″ with speed in the 4.4 range. His upside is undeniable and brings a lot of intrigue to the table.
#Bears draft one of my favorite late round targets this year: Valdosta State CB Stephen Denmark. Love the raw traits.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 27, 2019
Moved from WR in 2018. 6-2 1/2" 220 pounds with 33 3/8" arms. 4.46 speed and 1.48 10-yard split. Had 12 passes defended, 3 INTs in 2018.
Long arms, big speed, and some ball production. Of course, the ball production needs to be there if the Chicago Bears want to take a player from Valdosta State.
Still, it is hard to deny that despite the small school reputation that Stephen Denmark is a player who deserves to be drafted.
For the Chicago Bears, they are in a good situation with Denmark because he does not need to start next season. Even if Kyle Fuller or Prince Amukamara were injured, Kevin Tolliver could step up.
They can take the long road with Denmark, and when he shows them he is ready to get on an NFL field, they can try to find a way to make that happen.
It has always been clear that Ryan Pace will take the best player available. That shows by passing on the edge rusher class and adding multiple players in the secondary. It is clear that Denmark was the best player on the board in their eyes. His upside and development will be fun to follow.