Chicago Bears Draft: Post-combine defensive back prospect rankings
The last of the top defensive backs the Chicago Bears should consider
9. Antonio Johnson, S - Texas A&M
The second safety on my list is another slot cornerback-styled safety. Catching a theme? Antonio Johnson is that Branch type of player that needs to work on his tackling angles. He flies to the ball with reckless abandon but sometimes fails to take proper angles to make the tackle. The HITS philosophy is in him. With the appropriate coaching, Johnson could become the prospect that Branch already is and reach his full potential as a top-tier slot-stopper.
10. Mekhi Blackmon, CB - USC
Last on my list is very tough. I could have quickly gone with Jammie Robinson of Flordia State, Kelee Ringo of Georgia, or (my number 11) Jordan Battle of Alabama. But Blackmon is my guy. He gets knocked often because he is overly physical. And I mean, he is A.J. Green as a corner physical. You know that guy that will put his hands on you.
Blackmon reminds me of an unpolished Denzel Ward. He will press you and press you some more until you are blue in the face. Half of the time, he knows what route receivers are running because he forces them to limit themselves to their paths without adding wiggle. So why a strong press man coverage corner?
Next. Thoughts on Chicago Bears off-season Ryan Poles round two. dark
Imagine what he could do knowing that he only needs to cover a specific field section in this defense. Press zone could become his specialty as a Chicago Bear. He could become one of the better press defenders in the league with the proper coaching. A lot of his penalties will mitigate due to being able to get to his zone before the receiver gets a chance to get to their spot.