Chicago Bears find another athletic specimen in Stephen Denmark

The Chicago Bears went deep into the scouting department’s bag of tricks with its final pick uncovering Stephen Denmark, formerly of Valdosta State (GA)

The Chicago Bears final draft card unveiled another athletic specimen in Stephen Denmark, cornerback Valdosta State. The 6’3″ 212-pound former wide receiver made the switch to defensive back during his final season. It may not be by coincidence that his college team won a national title during his final season.

The Denmark pick has potential and upside written all over it. The former Blazer (no pun intended) was an intricate member of the Division II national championship team that defeated Winston-Salem State this past season. Although his experience on defense remains at a minimum, he comes from a winning pedigree that can only benefit from a veteran locker room.

His athleticism earned him second-team All-Conference honors in his final season. During his first season at defensive back, his physical ability shined collecting three interceptions, nine pass breakups, and eight tackles for loss. He added 55 tackles from the defensive backfield. Those are solid numbers for a first-year player during a title run.

His combination of size and raw athletic talent make him a desirable practice squad stash. His athleticism stood out during his pro day for a man of this stature. He clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds along with a 43.5″ vertical leap and 10′ 10″ broad jump. Those numbers would have put him in the elite status of the 2019 NFL combine.

Denmark’s elite athleticism should allow him to contribute on special teams sooner rather than later. He plays defense with a reckless abandonment that can perhaps be showcased as a gunner on kickoff and punt teams immediately. His willingness to change positions late in his career also suggests he is coachable. The Bears can utilize his strengths somewhere on the roster if he continues to develop in the defensive backfield.

The Bears can utilize Denmark in a number of ways and hope to develop his physical attributes in the very near future. The one thing for certain is Halas Hall added to its athletic pool this draft season.

Until next time, stay thirsty and Bear Down.