Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Michigan Cornerback Jourdan Lewis

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis is a sneaky 2017 NFL Draft target for the Chicago Bears.

While the moves that they made in free agency help, the Chicago Bears could certainly stand to add some playmakers in the secondary. Led by guys like Leonard Floyd and Akiem Hicks, the Bears’ defensive front seven is strong, but their defensive backfield leaves plenty to be desired.

Guys like Marcus Cooper, Prince Amukamara and Quintin Demps will help, but it is not enough. The Bears need to find some long-term answers to their secondary questions in the 2017 NFL Draft.

They could certainly look to take an impact safety like Jamal Adams or cornerback like Marshon Lattimore with the third overall selection. However, if the Bears decide to wait on adding to their secondary, Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis should be a mid-round target.

Lewis was a shut-down cornerback at Michigan, showing the quickness and athletic profile to shut down the best receiver on the opposing team. Lewis has impressive press coverage skills and an overwhelming drive to dominate against bigger and more athletic players.

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Lewis certainly does not have ideal size for the position, as he is listed at 5-10, 188 pounds. He will struggle against NFL size but has the natural coverage ability to compete against anyone.

At Michigan, Lewis was talented enough to compete on the outside, but that is unlikely to be the case at the next level. In the NFL, Lewis will likely be only a slot cornerback. However, in today’s NFL, the nickel defense is typically the base defense. You need a high-level slot cornerback to compete against pass happy offenses.

Lewis may only be able to compete in the slot, but he will do so at an extremely high level. He has the elite quickness and footwork to keep up inside. He also shows strong press coverage skills that will play well against quick slot receivers who are looking to create quick separation in the short field.

An elite competitor who is not afraid to play tough, Lewis has a chance to be an extremely valuable slot cornerback at the next level. His upside is limited because of his size, but slot cornerbacks are more valuable now than ever before.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Top Second-Round Targets for Bears

The Chicago Bears could certainly use an elite slot defender like Lewis and would be wise to specifically target him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.