NEWSLETTER
The 2024 NFL Draft begins TODAY. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos. 1, 9, 75, and 122) on draft weekend. We’re looking at some of the best prospects at various positions leading up to the Draft in search of fits for the Bears’ needs.
Previous: Quarterbacks, Wide receivers and tight ends, Offensive linemen, Defensive linemen, Running backs and linebackers
Currently on the Roster (2023 PFF Grade)
Cornerbacks: Jaylon Johnson (90.8), Kyler Gordon (65.6), Tyrique Stevenson (60.2), Terell Smith (69.6), Greg Stroman Jr. (66.6) Jaylon Jones (61.8) Josh Blackwell (28.5)
Safeties: Kevin Byard (72.8), Jaquan Brisker (66.7), Jonathan Owens (59.6), Elijah Hicks (46.2), Douglas Coleman II (N/A), Tarvarius Moore (N/A), Adrian Colbert (N/A)
Prospect Ranking
Every year, the folks at The Athletic cook up a consensus big board based on a range of draft experts. This year, we’re tapping in and using this to guide us as we attempt get a feel for who the top prospects are in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
Here’s how The Athletic’s consensus board ranks the cornerbacks (overall ranking in parentheses):
- Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo (14)
- Nate Wiggins, Clemson (22)
- Cooper DeJean, Iowa (24)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama (27)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Other prospects of note: Kamari Lassiter, Georgia (54); T.J. Tampa, Iowa State (57); Mike Sainristil, Michigan (60); Andry Phillips, Kentucky (84); D.J. James, Auburn (88); Renardo Green, Florida State (92); Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri (95); Khyree Jackson, Oregon (98); Cam Hart, Notre Dame (100)
Seeing 14 cornerbacks check in among the top 100 prospects on The Athletic’s consensus big board provides yet another example of the evolution of football. Cornerback is such an important position on the defensive side of the ball. And while traditional cover corners are always going to get paid, the uptick in corners who are aggressive and multi-positional has me thinking that we’re entering an era of cornerback style that we’ve not seen before. I am truly fascinated by how NFL teams counter punch.
Here’s how The Athletic’s consensus board ranks the safeties (overall ranking in parentheses):
- Tyler Nubin, Minnesota (48)
- Javon Bullard, Georgia (51)
- Jaden Hicks, Washington State (67)
- Cole Bishop, Utah (77)
- Calen Bullock, USC (90)
Other prospects of note: Kamren Kinchens, Miami (94), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (97)
The safety position feels like it is constantly changing. Gone are the days of traditional box safeties on one side of the field and one whose expertise is more in coverage on the other. The NFL appears to be trending to a place where teams have interchangeable safeties who can do both. That is fun to think about from an X’s and O’s standpoint.
Team Need
After releasing Eddie Jackson earlier in the offseason, I briefly believed the Bears could target a safety in the upcoming NFL Draft. But before free agency could open its doors, Chicago swooped in to sign Kevin Byard after the Philadelphia Eagles let him go. In Byard, the Bears have a veteran who can brings leadership and durability to the table. But that doesn’t mean Chicago still can’t add a safety to the mix.
As for the cornerback position, I like what the Bears have with Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and Terell Smith at the top of the depth chart. Stevenson, Gordon, and Smith are recent draft picks. Meanwhile, Jaylon Johnson is the oldest of the group — and he just turned 25 last week. But in this league, you can’t ever have enough corners. So I wouldn’t be upset if the Bears drafted one this weekend.
If I Had to Pick One:
The Bears reportedly used a top-30 visit to bring Dadrion Taylor-Demerson out to Halas Hall. And after reading this profile, I immediately put him on my draft weekend watch list:
Taylor-Demerson might not have the highly coveted measurables that teams will gravitate toward, but he brings plenty of instincts and ball skills. He offers coverage versatility as a split safety, high safety and nickel. He’s quick enough to handle man coverage and plays with outstanding anticipation to steal from quarterbacks who show their cards. His aggression will create some negative plays and his tackling might never be more than average. Taylor-Demerson’s versatility, football IQ and consistent ball production align with what defensive coordinators are looking for and should make him a solid starting defensive back.
Instincts, coverage versatility, football IQ, and ball skills are among the things Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus referenced when discussing players he likes in the secondary. With that in mind, I like the idea of landing Taylor-Demerson with a Day 2 pick.
And no, it has nothing to do with the puns I can make when Dadrion Taylor-Demerson stops D’Andre Swift during Bears training camp practice drills. OK, maybe a little…
