Chicago Bears 2017 Mock draft: Four round mock

Round 2: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)

I recently wrote about the Chicago Bears’ need to shore up the cornerback position. A myriad of injuries hit the unit in 2016, and the coaches needed to use undrafted free agent rookies off the street to start games.

I suggested that the Bears go through free agency AND the draft to add to the players they feel played well this season. Of course, a decision looms over what to do with Kyle Fuller. It is difficult for a player to do well on a team when the coaches lose confidence in him. That appears to be the case with Vic Fangio and Fuller.

Cordrea Tankersley flirted with the idea of going pro with his Clemson teammates after last season, but decided to come back. That decision paid off, as he improved his stock and came away with a title.

Tankersley is a big-bodied corner who stays with the big, athletic receivers. He has good ball skills, and his length helps him fight for the ball. In the last two seasons, he picked off 9 passes and had 20 passes defended.

Continuing the focus on run support, Tankersley helps on that account. He’s not afraid to mix it up against the run.

Clemson has produced some very good corners in the NFL such as Mackensie Alexander, Bashaud Breeland, Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell. Add Tankersley to that list.

Tankersley also adds versatility to the defense. He plays safety as well. He is a Fangio kind of player. Adding him improves the play and toughness in the secondary.