Where does the stock stand on the Chicago Bears seventh-round rookie?
Coming out of Valdosta State as a former wide receiver, Stephen Denmark was unlikely to be in the spot that he was in. Fortunately for Denmark, he switched to cornerback at the right time and turned out to be a pretty decent cornerback.
However, playing at Valdosta State, it does not matter how great you are at cornerback, you will not turn many heads. Yes, it is the size, height, and athleticism of Denmark that has so many intrigued with what he can do in the NFL.
Of course, all that got him was drafted in the seventh round. Still, a seventh-round pick is a major win for the rookie heading into camp. He very easily could have been a priority UDFA. He would have been able to pick his location but does not have much commitment holding him on the roster.
Denmark signed a four-year deal as a seventh-round pick and thus has much more incentive to make the roster. Heading into camp there is a list of cornerbacks that he must beat out, but it is worth noting that most of the names brought in were slot options. In the slot, Buster Skrine, Duke Shelley, Sherrick McManis, and Jonathan Mincy compete.
On the outside, Denmark arguably sits behind Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Kevin Toliver. This gives him a decent shot at making the roster heading into camp.
At the end of the day Denmark being drafted is a win. On top of that, he comes in with a real shot to make the roster. Stephen Denmark is currently moving with his stock on the rise.