Chicago Bears 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech) holds up his jersey after being selected as the number fourteen overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
6′, 190 LBs.
The Player
Fuller is a very good player and may be the most immediately impacting corner in this class. He has tremendous closing speed and is very physical in coverage. Not only is he a stud in coverage, he is a fearless run defender and can be moved all over the field. I worry a bit about his aggression and taking himself out of plays, but that is not a common occurrence and something that is fixable.
The Pick
This was perfect value on my board and it fills a huge need in upgrading the Bears’ secondary. I really like this pick.
The Fit
With Peanut Tillman and Tim Jennings on the Roster, Fuller could start on the outside and Jennings could slide into the slot, though Fuller could do the same. Wherever he is, he will impact the team and he has two phenomenal teachers to help him grow as a player.
Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU
6’3″, 315 lbs.
The Player
Ego is a strong high effort player who won’t blow anyone away with his athletic ability, but he is does a great job of hogging blockers and moving pockets around.
The Pick
This feels like a bit of a reach for a “safe” player. I like Ferguson’s fit here, but I feel like there were better players available who could offer the same thing.
The Fit
Ferguson will likely battle it out with Jay Ratliff and Stephen Paea for the starting 1-Tech job and could contribute very early at the very least as a rotational guy.
Will Sutton, DT, ASU
6′, 303
The Player
Sutton is an incredibly intelligent player who uses leverage and great hands to penetrate into the backfield. He has shown good quickness and anchor as well. He ballooned to around 315 per the coaches request at ASU after a highly productive year at 280 pounds and looked less effective. He is still the same player he was 2 years ago and he is going to be very good in the NFL.
Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive tackle Will Sutton (90) tackles Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Kenny Williams (34) during the 2013 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Texas Tech defeated Arizona State 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Pick
Sutton is a first round talent that the Bears snagged in the third. They filled a major need with a good player. Always a good thing to do.
The Fit
Sutton can easily start day one at 3 Tech. If he can get his weight down to 2012 playing weight, he could have a big time rookie season.
Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona
The Player
Carey is not physically impressive in any way, but he is a very hard runner with good vision and solid change of direction ability.
The Pick
I think this was a bit early for Mr. Carey, but he is going to be a solid contributor.
The Fit
Carey is not going to be stealing Forte’s starting job, but the group is pretty bare behind him. Carey is a dependable back who should do a good job splitting carries with Forte.
Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota
6′, 199 lbs.
The Player
Vereen is a phenomenal athlete and a very smart player. He flies all around the field and has the ability to play centerfield. He lacks bulk and has issues covering tight ends, but as long as he isn’t playing close to the line of scrimmage, he should excel.
The Pick
Vereen is a very good player with high upside at a premium position. Pretty surprised he wasn’t taken earlier.
The Fit
The Bears current safeties are pretty atrocious and I am going to go on a limb and say Vereen should start day one at free safety. If he can add another 10 pounds or so, he could be a very balanced safety down the line.
David Fales, QB, SJSU
6’2″, 212
Nov 22, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback David Fales (10) drops back for a pass against the Navy Midshipmen during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The Player
Fales is one of the best pure passers in this class. He throws with great anticipation and accuracy. He is a good decision maker and has enough arm to reach all parts of the field. He doesn’t have anything prototypical, but everything that he does is very good.
The Pick
I liked Fales a lot higher than this and still do. I think the Bears got a tremendous player at even better value.
The Fit
Fales will obviously sit behind a handsomely paid Jay Cutler, but Fales could push for a starting Job post Cutler. Fales and Trestman could do wonders together.
Pat O’Donnell, P, Miami
The Player
He is a punter who had a freaky combine. He punts balls.
The Pick
He is a punter. Stop drafting punters.
The Fit
He will likely punt the ball. Probably to the other team.
Charles Leno, OL, Boise State.
The Player
Very good technician and a smart player, but he has size and length issues.
The Pick
All teams could use offensive line depth and a lot of people liked Leno earlier. Could prove to be a steal down the line.
The Fit
I don’t see a spot where Leno threatens immediately, but he is certainly a guy who could play guard down the line.