Chicago Bears: Under-the-radar Senior Bowl prospects to watch

Linebacker Terrill Hanks, New Mexico State

One of the more raw players you’ll get a chance to see at the Senior Bowl is Terrill Hanks, a converted linebacker out of New Mexico State. Last year, Hanks made the switch from safety to outside linebacker and showed a lot of promise at the position.

While his development will take a little longer from the recent switch, Hanks possesses a lot to like. Of course, a former defensive back, Hanks has a great amount of speed for a linebacker. He’s just 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, but he boasts a high motor and relentless style of play.

One of his main weaknesses is his over-pursuit or under-pursuit. He still has a tougher time gauging direction and which angles to take when going after the football. Because of his athleticism, he can sneak under blocks but has a difficult time working through blocks. In other words, he gets overpowered when taking a blocker head-on.

On the plus side, his ability to continually play at the fastest pace possible is a plus. This Bears defense is a group who likes to crowd to the football, and even if Hanks didn’t enter the rotation right away, he could offer a lot of depth and potentially find a permanent role on special teams.