Chicago Bears 2017 draft position profiles: Safeties

Jamal Adams, LSU (6-foot-1, 211 pounds)

Watching Adams on film was a pleasure. He is an aggressive, hard-hitting player who throws his body around. What makes him different from other hard hitters, however, is his control. While other aggressive players can get overly aggressive and get themselves out of the play, Adams’ body control and fluid movements allow him to stay in and finish.

Another aspect of Adams’ game is his great tackling technique. He can play bigger than his height by exploding up on a ball carrier. In addition to that, he gets down low and takes out the legs as well.

Adams is athletic enough to go down and play the slot in nickel situations. He has good route anticipation and has a nose for the ball. In the past two seasons, he had 5 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Adams can take on blocks in the box and shed them. He is also a smart player. He is sound technically, and won’t get fooled on trick plays. On running plays, he doesn’t try to play hero ball. He’ll come in and force the runner back inside for others to make the play. The problems the Bears had with safeties over the years has been their over-eagerness to make the big hit and big play, thus sacrificing making the RIGHT play.

Adams plays with enthusiasm, and his LSU teammates fed off of that. If he could do that on the pro level, he will be a very good asset. Don’t be surprised if he ends up being the first safety taken in the draft.