7 Day 2 prospects the Chicago Bears should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears Draft Target: Eli Ricks - CB, Alabama
In a talented cornerback class that will likely see four to five players taken in the first round, there will still be a number of gems at the position who are available deep into the second round, potentially including Alabama's Eli Ricks. Ricks is a 6'2", 200 lbs cornerback who excelled at Alabama due to his speed, length, and technique as a press, man corner.
After two solid seasons with LSU to start his career, Ricks transferred to Alabama ahead of the 2022 season, where he recorded five pass breakups and a 42 QBR when targeted. Ricks is an instinctual defensive back who uses his physicality and frame to his advantage, although he will likely need to work on flipping his hips and preventing bigger completions in the NFL.
In Chicago, Ricks would likely perform as one of the team's boundary cornerbacks opposite of Jaylon Johnson, with Kyler Gordon moving to the slot. Ricks might not be the best fit for a zone-heavy defense like Chicago, but he could perform well in deep zone assignments and could operate almost independently of the scheme as a lockdown, press-man cornerback. He would be one of the more talented options potentially available for the Bears on Day 2.
Pro Comp: Patrick Surtain
Surtain is certainly a more talented cornerback than Ricks, but the similarities across the board are too obvious. Both players come from Alabama, where they received premium defensive back coaching from Nick Saban and his staff, and they both use their large size to physically interfere with routes before they can develop. Like Surtain, Ricks is great in man coverage but is not as strong as the Broncos' star in zone coverage, so that could be a focus for him at the next level.
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Other CBs to consider:
Players like Julius Brents (Kansas State) and Tyrique Stevenson (Miami) are two interesting options at cornerback, though they might be selected in the earlier parts of the second round. Clark Phillips III (Utah) and DJ Turner (Michigan) might also be good options for Chicago on Day 2, especially with both players being good scheme fits for Matt Eberflus's defense.