2017 NFL Draft: Jamal Adams Shines at LSU Pro Day, Solidifies Top-Five Status
Did Jamal Adams just ensure that the Chicago Bears will take him third overall in the 2017 NFL Draft?
Jamal Adams may have just made himself a member of the Chicago Bears when the 2017 NFL Draft rolls around on April 27th.
At LSU’s Pro Day today, Adams lit the building on fire with a blazing 40-yard dash. Unofficial times from multiple scouts had the LSU safety running under 4.4 seconds, with some clocking him as low as 4.33 seconds. Here’s the video below:
https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/849689720019968000
Now, since this was not electronically timed, it’s unlikely that Adams actually ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash. To the naked eye, it certainly didn’t look like he broke 4.4 seconds. And generally, Pro Day 40s are usually faster than Combine 40s for a number of reasons. Nonetheless, that would put his 40 time likely in the sub-4.5 second range, which is great for a safety. Furthermore, it improves on his somewhat disappointing 4.56-second run at the NFL combine.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
While 40 times aren’t the only important measure for players, this performance probably vaults Adams solidly into top-five pick status. Typically, teams do not draft safeties with top-five picks because other positions, such as quarterback and defensive line, offer greater positional value. However, players like Kansas City’s Eric Berry (fifth overall, 2010) and Hall-of-Famer Charles Woodson (fourth overall, 1998) break the mold occasionally. How? By being exceptional athletes in addition to skilled playmakers at the safety position.
No one doubted Adams’ ability to play downhill against the run or roam the middle of the field. Scouts have, however, questioned his long speed and explosion as an athlete. His so-so Combine 40 and vertical leap didn’t help those concerns, making some doubt whether he merited a top-five selection.
But with what Adams just did today, plus his stellar film, he’s destined to be picked early. With Solomon Thomas being a popular choice for the San Francisco 49ers’ second-overall spot, Adams very well could end up a Bear. That said, his impressive showing could also convince a team to try trading for him. We’ll see if that’s the case on draft night, but if that comes to pass, it will be a tough choice for the Bears.
Next: New Bears Three-Round Mock Draft
No matter what, Adams definitely secured himself a high slot in the 2017 NFL Draft and a nice payday to boot. Now we just have to wait and see if he’ll be a Chicago Bear or not.