A closer look at some areas the Chicago Bears could address in the draft. We'll get started on Monday with a look at the safety position, which is scheduled to work out on Feb. 23 in Indianapolis.
Position of need: Safety. Looking to upgrade at safety last offseason, the Bears drafted Brock Vereen and signed M.D. Jennings, Danny McCray, Ryan Mundy and 14-year veteran Adrian Wilson to a group that included players such as Chris Conte, a pending free agent, and Craig Steltz. Jennings, Wilson and Steltz didn’t even make the team, but the remaining players in 2014 only continued subpar play at the position. Chicago ranked 30th against the pass in 2014, and was one of just three teams to surrender an average opponent passer rating of 100 or better.
Three safeties the Bears could target in the draft:
Landon Collins (S), Alabama: Widely considered one of the most complete players at the position in quite a while, Collins has been described by multiple scouts as a mixture of former Alabama safeties Mark Barron and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, both former first-round picks. Collins possesses good range, is a ballhawk and an explosive hitter who would also add value, not to mention an upgrade, as a special teamer. The Bears hold the No. 7 overall pick, and Collins should draw serious consideration at this spot from new general manager Ryan Pace as he looks to rebuild Chicago’s standing as a team that thrives on tough defense.
Gerod Holliman (S), Louisville: Holliman broke up 17 passes and picked off an NCAA-record tying 14 passes in his only season as a starter to win the Jim Thorpe Award. But it’s difficult to project where Holliman might go in the draft because scouts seem divided on how he’ll fare in the NFL, because of concerns about his tackling ability and poor practice habits. Holliman possesses decent size (6-foot, 213 pounds), but scouts have expressed concerns about the redshirt sophomore’s speed. Some teams will be enamored by Holliman’s 14 interceptions in 2014, but more than likely, his stock will drop if he doesn’t light it up this week at the combine.
Derron Smith (S), Fresno State: Don’t let Smith’s size (5-10, 196 pounds) fool you, as he has shown throughout his college career that he fits the profile as a physical, tone-setting player on the back end that teams will covet. In addition to his significant skillset as a run defender, Smith has the ability to match up in the slot against receivers and handle tight ends in man-to-man coverage. Smith also possesses the intangible qualities teams covet, most notably leadership abilities, according to several scouts. Smith isn’t in Collins’ class. But don’t sleep on him.
