Chicago Bears Draft: Players worth trading up for
By Ryan Heckman
Safety Juan Thornhill, Virginia
I have touched on Juan Thornhill a bit over the last few weeks, and if you haven’t heard much about him yet, just know that he is immensely athletic. His Combine performance was one to remember, as he came dangerously close to the all-time record in vertical jump. Thornhill lept 44.0 inches.
He also showed off some wheels, running his 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds. Thornhill is the whole package, and at more than one position. The 6-foot defensive back started each of the last three years for Virginia, only in 2018 he switched from cornerback to safety.
His coverage skills are superb, and the kid is a straight-up ball hawk. Last season, he finished with six interceptions for the Cavaliers which was third in all of FBS. He was a do-it-all safety in his first year at the position, leading his defense with 98 tackles and seven passes defensed.
Next. Bears Draft: Top prospects at safety for each round. dark
If Thornhill were to be there late in the second round, I would find a way to move up and snatch him if I were Pace. He is too good of an athlete and far too versatile to pass up if he dropped that far. Whether or not he starts right away is irrelevant. Thornhill is going to be a stud in the pros, and the Bears would be an excellent fit.