Chicago Bears: 5 underrated cornerback targets in 2018 NFL Draft
By Ryan Heckman
Mike Hughes, UCF
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185
Mike Hughes has one thing the rest of these guys don’t, and that is the fact that he is not used to losing as of late. Playing for UCF last season, a team that never lost a game and ultimately won their bowl game, Hughes was a huge part of it.
Last year, Hughes notched 49 tackles, 11 passes defended and four interceptions. His best trait is the ability to get his hands on the football. Hughes is one of the better skilled guys when it comes to batting balls away and getting in the way of the receiver making the catch.
Hughes is a bit of a multi-faceted prospect. He has shown he can play the traditional corner position where he lines up mainly on the outside. But, he can also play a bit of nickel, which the Bears could use as well.
One enormous talent that translates to the pros well is the knack for keeping up with receivers on their routes. Corner can be one of the most difficult positions to play at the professional level, but Hughes has proven he has this ability.
One more trait that I like about Hughes is his potential as a return man. With Tarik Cohen likely to get a lot of work in Matt Nagy’s system, Hughes may be able to provide an additional spark at that position if Cohen needs a rest.
Hughes is projected by most to go in the second round. I would watch out for Pace looking to snag a cornerback in either the second or third round in April, and Hughes could be a viable target for the Bears.