Chicago Bears 2017 mock draft: Post NFL Combine and free agency
Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado (6-foot-3, 198 pounds)
Witherspoon was a part of the reason the Colorado Buffaloes had a resurgent defense. He tied for the most passes defended in the nation with 23 (the other was his teammate Tedric Thompson).
Witherspoon has a good combination of size and speed. He has the ability to take on any receiver. In addition to his speed, he takes long strides, which helps him get to the target even quicker. He has fluid hips, which allow him to change direction with ease. Even when beaten early on a play, he has the speed and athleticism to recover.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
Under normal circumstances, Witherspoon would be drafted higher. With this class being so deep at corner, he falls down. Also, he is still raw as a player. He played only one year in high school. That happened only because he grew seven inches between his junior and senior season. He is still learning the intricacies of playing his position, and he also needs to build some strength.
The additions of Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper at corner solidify the position. The Bears probably also stay with Kyle Fuller, even with the controversy over his refusal to play last season. They also have Tracy Porter. They found some other players who are better fill-ins than starters, so that settles down the unit. Amukamara is signed for just one season, however, and Porter turns 31 this year. The thought of replacing those players should already be on Pace’s mind.
Witherspoon has very good talent. He could be brought in to help on nickel coverage, easing him in. Then, when the time comes, he steps in and takes over. Learning under Fangio could work wonders for Witherspoon’s career and for the Chicago Bears defense.