Chicago Bears: Six prospects to consider in first round

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bears Derwin James
Chicago Bears Derwin James /

Derwin James, safety

The safety position was an area of strength last season for the Chicago Bears. Despite the Quintin Demps bust free agency signing, Ryan Pace was able to get solid contributions out of two players he drafted in free safety Eddie Jackson and Strong Safety Adrian Amos. Eddie Jackson started out his rookie campaign winning the starting job in training camp.

From then, on Jackson displayed the ball-hawk instincts that he showed back in Alabama. Amos also had a decent season for the Bears, as the fourth-year safety found a home at strong safety. Both guys complimented each other well, as Jackson patrol the deep parts of the field, while Amos used his physicality to be a solid close to the box safety.

While Jackson has shown the traits to be a long-term answer at free safety, Amos has proven to be serviceable at best at strong safety. If an upgrade is out there, Ryan Pace is going to address it.

In the draft, there are plenty intriguing safety prospects, starting with Florida State strong safety Derwin James.

James has the type of game that will greatly compliment what they already have in Jackson. He’s a very good long rangy athlete at the strong safety position. He can cover the short to intermediate areas of the field while also using his speed and athleticism close to the line of scrimmage to make plays.