Draft Weekend Possibilities: Cornerback

This will be the last positional breakdown I hit on for potential Bears prospects.  I just can't see Jerry Angelo taking a running back, quarterback, or tight end.  I really don't think they'll go CB either unless someone slips to them, but you can never have enough depth in the secondary. 

I'm not as down on their corners as some.  Zack Bowman played better than expected last year, Charles Tillman was solid, maybe Corey Graham will get out of the Lovie Smith doghouse (I liked his play when he had his chances), newly signed Tim Jennings will be in the mix at nickle-back, and D.J. Moore should see the field in year two.  Best case scenario; having a talented starting caliber corner slip to the Bears in the 3rd round and then having them make the oft discussed move of Tillman to free safety.  Did I just open up a can of worms with that one?

Third Round - Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (PA) CB/FS 6'0" 207 - I could have profiled Owusu-Ansah on the free safety post as some scouts think he has the toughness, size, and strength (21 reps on the bench) to play there.  He even lined up at FS quite a bit in college, but considering corner is considered the more difficult position to play, and he has the speed to play on an island (4.32 forty), I think he'll be drafted to play CB.  If the Bears do draft him I just hope they don't give the kid DMS.  He does fit the profile the Bears like, plays at a small school (Division II), great in the return game (5 TD on returns last season), and look which NFL player he's being compared to; Charles Tillman.

Fourth Round - Javier Arenas, Alabama CB 5'9" 197 - Yeah, he's a little short, but he's a great athlete.  He's getting a 3rd-4th round grade on most sites, but with him nursing a hamstring and not able to run for scouts, he may be there in the 4th or 5th round.  Scouts give him the more quick than fast tag.  He holds the SEC record with 7 punt return TD's if the Bears were looking for another guy to return some kicks.

Fifth Round - A.J. Jefferson, Fresno State CB 6'0" 193 - After a splendid combine, even seeming like a favorite of NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, Jefferson has seen his stock rise.  He's still labeled as a project by most scouts, but he's getting as high a grade as the 3rd round.  His lack of polish technique-wise has some saying he's a good fit for a Cover 2 corner.  His 44 inch vertical was the best at the combine.  If he lasts til the 5th round he'd be a good value pick.

Sixth Round - Brian Jackson, Oklahoma 6'1" 202 CB/S - Due to his less than stellar speed many scouts predict a shift to safety.  At best he's running his 40 in the high 4.5's, but he has the size and athleticism to play corner for the Bears.  If Chicago would ever let their corners press before settling into their zone, Jackson's physical play would be a nice fit.  Helmet tip to e-mailer Herb Freundt on this player.

Seventh Round - Sam Shields, Miami CB 5'11" 183 - Not even on most teams draft boards before his pro day, Shields now will get some late round consideration.  He ran a 4.30 forty, had a 39 inch vertical, and 15 reps on the bench.  He also played some WR at Miami, but his experience on special teams could endure him to the Bears.  He was voted the Hurricanes special teams player of the year in 2008.