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I haven't really gotten to go after a gratuitous Illini player in this little series, so indulge me for a second with this one that might end up making a modicum of sense. As long as it doesn't violate any of TJ's "Thoughts that are just flat out wrong."
Behind Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman, the Bears' depth at defensive back is lacking, with DJ Moore playing himself out of things and winding up in the Bears' doghouse, Sherrick McManis ending the season on injured reserve and Kelvin Hayden struggling in his appearances on the field. So I bring up Terry Hawthorne, a guy who's flashed some pretty good ability against bigger receivers and plays physical, as a player the Bears could consider in or after the second round. Defensive back isn't the team's biggest need, but the Bears could use more young talent at the position.
Like Tillman, Hawthorne is a turnover-maker with some pretty good ball skills and a willingness to attack the ball, and he's willing to make a play on a running back with his physical play. He also has good quick feet in coverage, particularly on shorter routes. His tackling form is a little suspect and he will lead with his head at times, and he doesn't have ideal size.
CBS currently has him ranked as a fifth-round prospect, the 19th cornerback and 156th prospect. WalterFootball is a little sunnier on him, marking him as a second-through-fourth round prospect and the 12th cornerback.
Where do you see Hawthorne, and do you think he'd provide good depth for the Bears' defensive backs if not an eventual starter?
Terry Hawthorne vs Penn State (2012) (via Aaron Aloysius)