Chicago Bears: Five cornerback targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

Anthony Averett

Grabbing an Alabama defensive back worked out really well for the Chicago Bears last year, with Eddie Jackson starting all 16 games and proving a capable NFL starter from the get-go.

Maybe the Bears won’t mind going to the well again.

Averett actually did the reverse career transition to what Jackson did, switching from safety to corner at Alabama. And though he had to wait a bit to get on the field, he started at corner his junior and senior seasons.

https://twitter.com/AlabamaDieHards/status/953410259221131265

Unlike Fitzpatrick, he doesn’t overwhelm opponents with his athleticism and skill. That said, he’s plenty athletic enough to run with and mirror receivers. And similarly to Fuller, he comes quickly downhill for tackles even when he gives up completions.

Still, he needs a bit of seasoning before he can truly succeed in the NFL.

Like Ward, he has to hit the weight room, coming in at just about 185 pounds. Plus, he doesn’t always show the best coverage instincts despite his more-than-adequate athletic ability. Sound like a certain free agent cornerback the Chicago Bears are trying to re-sign who just had a career year?

Next: EDGE/LB Tremaine Edmunds draft profile

As such, Averett will come in as a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect, perhaps filling in a need at corner once others have been filled. And though he needs some work, the Chicago Bears could do far worse after the first round.