Chicago Bears: 3 takeaways from rookie minicamp
By Ryan Sikes
The Chicago Bears selected slot cornerback Duke Shelley in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
When the Chicago Bears drafted Duke Shelley in the sixth round of the draft, I don’t think many fans knew anything about the Kansas State defensive back. However, after some film review and looking at his stats, there is a lot of potential for Shelley to become a great cornerback in the NFL.
Shelley played in all four years at Kansas State collecting 165 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight interceptions and 31 pass deflections. He missed some time in his senior season due to a torn ligament in his toe, which adversely impacted his draft stock.
He was interviewed by the media on Friday and asked about contested balls.
“50-50 balls, I don’t consider them ‘50-50’. I consider them mine...” - New #Bears DB Duke Shelley on his mindset.
— Bear Report (@BearReport) May 3, 2019
You have to admire the kid’s confidence. I said he reminds me a lot of Cortland Finnegan because he is a scrappy, physical cornerback especially at the line of scrimmage. Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was on hand for Friday’s practice and took Shelley under his wing, giving him advice and sharing his moment of intercepting a ball intended for Randy Moss:
"“You have this rookie versus this Hall of Fame guy, and he made the play,” Shelley said. “He was just going to show that it’s no different than what you’ve been doing your whole life. Just because you’re here, it’s no different. Just attack every situation. Go into everything thinking you’re going to make the play, you’re going to be the best. And if you do that, you’ll be fine.” – via ChicagoTribune"
Shelley is also going to be wearing jersey number 33 this season.