Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Bears run it back with Nick Foles

The Chicago Bears finally turn their attention to the defense

With their last pick in the draft, the Bears go defense and take a flier on a potential running mate for Eddie Jackson. Jamien Sherwood, out of Auburn, has a lot of traits to like as a potential strong safety in the NFL.

First off, he’s known as a great communicator (h/t The Draft Network). That, alone, is one of the best things you can be as an NFL defensive back, especially one playing closer to the box. This is a smart player, no doubt.

Second, he is a physical and willing defender in the box. He’ll help out in the run game and doesn’t miss many tackles. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound safety is a well-built machine. He’s strong.

This past season, Sherwood ended with 75 tackles, 3.0 for a loss including one sack, three passes defended and a pair of fumble recoveries.

The biggest reason he’ll fall? He isn’t athletic enough to hang with some of the quicker guys, so coverage skills are not where they should be if he was asked to play deeper. Fortunately, the Bears have Jackson for that spot.

If Sherwood is given a little time, he could develop into a nice depth piece at safety, if not surprise some and become a starter at the strong safety spot.