2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Virginia Tech WR Isaiah Ford
The Chicago Bears signed two wide receivers through free agency. Even so, they still need some depth. They could find a good one in the middle of the 2017 NFL Draft in Virginia Tech’s Isaiah Ford.
The Chicago Bears moved to shore up their wide receiver corps after Alshon Jeffery left town. They signed Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright. Still, they need some depth at that unit. They could get that help in the middle rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft by choosing Virginia Tech’s Isaiah Ford.
At 6-foot-1, Ford has good length for the position. Also, he is supremely athletic. He played basketball in high school and that helps him get to the ball better than the defender. In addition, he has good speed and quickness.
Coming off the snap against press coverage, his quick feet and great lateral movement creates separation. On deep routes, those feet also help him fake out defenders and get them off-balance. He understands that speed isn’t the only aspect that helps a receiver get open.
"There’s multiple ways to get open, being a receiver,” Ford said. “And I think the biggest aspect of the position is not only catching the ball but being able to run routes. Getting separation. And no matter how you’re getting the separation — whether it’s because you’re fast or because you’re shifty or you’re a technician with running routes — it’s about getting open."
At Virginia Tech, Ford ran a lot of pro-style routes, so that helps his transition to the next level. He also has experience playing both in the slot and on the outside. He gives the offense plenty of flexibility.
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Ford needs to add some bulk to his 194-pound frame. Of course, the same can be said about most college players first entering the pro levels. However, he has bulked up 20 pounds since his freshman year so he shows the work ethic to put in the work. That bodes well when he starts an NFL-type training program.
In 2015, Ford set the team records for receptions (75), yards (1,164), and touchdowns (11). In 2016, he had similar numbers, making 79 catches for 1,094 yards and 7 touchdowns.
With his athletic ability, Ford can make some incredibly tough catches, much like Jeffery did in his time in Chicago. His body control is incredible. While a defender is still trying to locate the ball, he’s already moved his body to make the catch.
He sometimes needs to improve his concentration, as he’s dropped some easy catches. He sometimes uses his body to make the catch, and that results in the ball bouncing off his pads. At the higher level, he needs to work on using his hands to make the catch.
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The Bears could do well drafting Ford in the middle rounds. He projects as a third or fourth round pick. While he doesn’t have elite speed, his still is pretty fast. Adding his speed would make their wide receiver unit one of the fastest in the league. As they say “Speed kills” and all that speed wears down the opposition.