The Chicago Bears are set to embark on what might be the most important draft weekend of GM Ryan Pace’s tenure. After delivering a dud in 2019, they must make changes at important positions to get back on the winning track. After navigating the early waves of free agency, the team has moved into NFL Draft mode. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the more promising draft-eligible prospects to see if there’s a fit for the Bears in 2020.
Previous targets: QB Jake Fromm, OL Josh Jones, OL Austin Jackson, TE Brycen Hopkins, CB Cameron Dantzler, WR KJ Hamler, QB James Morgan, TE Cole Kmet, QB Jalen Hurts, TE Adam Trautman
Potential Target, Position, School
• Jeremy Chinn, safety, Southern Illinois
• Measurements: 6-3, 221 pounds, 32 1/8-inch arms, 9 5/8-inch hands
Performance, Prospect Rankings, and Accomplishments
• 2019 stats: 10 games, 71 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack, 4 interception, 7 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery
• Career stats: 38 games, 243 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack, 13 interceptions, 31 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked kick
• Accomplishments: Consensus All-American (2019), First-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (2018, 2019), Second-team All-MVFC (2017), MVFC All-Newcomer Team (2016), Senior Bowl invite
• Position ranking: 4th (ESPN), 10th (Pro Football Focus), 4th (CBS Sports), 3rd (Walter Football)
One Thing the NFL.com Draft Profile Says…
“Safety prospect with compelling size, speed and athletic ability. He has man cover skills. Very willing and able as a a tackler, but despite his diverse skill set, his effectiveness can wane when asked to multitask.”
You can read the full profile here.
Bears Connection
The Bears had a Combine meeting and video chat with Chinn, who would relish the opportunity to play alongside Eddie Jackson, Khalil Mack, and the rest of the gang.
Highlights
#Salukis safety Jeremy Chinn, who is prepping for the NFL Scouting Combine, returned to campus last night for a hero’s welcome. We’re so proud of you, @ChinnJeremy2 pic.twitter.com/xJ1tCxHtKW
— Saluki Football (@SIU_Football) February 9, 2020
Where’s the Fit?
Even after re-signing Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson, then bringing on Jordan Lucas as a free agent, the Bears *STILL* have a need to add to the safety position. Ideally, it is someone who comes from this draft and becomes a long-term fixture playing next to Eddie Jackson.
Perhaps that player could be Chinn, whose stock has been climbing since the start of the college football season. A strong year at Southern Illinois, followed by an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and concluding with an impressive showing at the Combine put Chinn on even more radars during the pre-draft season. With good size, a professional frame, and a solid skill set, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein dropped Harrison Smith as Chinn’s pre-draft NFL comparison. These comparisons are never a 1-for-1 thing, but just the idea of teaming Jackson with someone who draws comparisons to a perennial Pro Bowl safety is the stuff dreams are made of on draft weekend.