Chicago Bears 2018 NFL Draft targets to watch: Alabama vs. Florida State

Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State

Tarvarus McFadden was one of the best players in the country last season when it came to making impact plays. With eight interceptions, McFadden showed his play making ability even in the absence of Derwin James. Although James is back, McFadden’s role is by no means reduced. McFadden will still stuff the stat sheet week in and week out with impact plays.

McFadden doesn’t only make a big impact on defense. Like Bears’ rookie safety Eddie Jackson, McFadden is a ball-hawking defender who can also return punts. While the return opportunities won’t be too many, McFadden’s speed and athleticism make him a threat in the return game. It’s unknown if he will be the Seminoles primary return man, but with the opportunity, McFadden can make a big impact.

Florida State will need McFadden to make a big impact in order to win against the Tide. With plenty of opportunities against a trigger-happy Alabama offense,  Tarvarus McFadden’s role is as big as anybody’s come Saturday night. If both James and McFadden have big showings, there’s no reason why Florida State should lose this game.

Tarvarus McFadden’s draft stock is near the level of James and Fitzpatrick, but he’ll need a repeat performance of last season to prove that he can consistently be a premier impact playmaker in an NFL secondary. Eight interceptions translate well to the NFL, but McFadden has to show that last season was no fluke.

Unlike the other two, McFadden is a very realistic option for the Bears in the upcoming draft. McFadden’s stock is around pick 5-15, which is likely where we will see the Bears pick. The Bears are in big need of a player that makes the type of impact that McFadden does in the secondary, making him arguably the making realistic pick for the Bears.