Has anybody really bothered to understand why the hype has been so stick for the Chicago Bears to draft a safety with the #3 overall pick? The arguments against it are well known. Defensive backs are never supposed to go that high. It will also be expensive for that position. All valid points. That being said those same people don’t have a keen understanding of the recent history of Bears drafted safeties.
The last time Chicago brought aboard a future stud was all the way back in 2000. That was one of their better drafts of the new millenium. Brian Urlacher was taken in the first round, a future Hall of Famer. Their second round pick was a kid named Mike Brown out of Nebraska. He became an instant success for the Bears. In his first three seasons alone he had nine interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.
Since his departure in 2009 though, the team has gone through a remarkable dry spell. Since 2001 they’ve drafted 16 safeties. None of them made a lasting impact on the roster. Perhaps a review of the long list will jog some memories. Brace yourselves.
Bears drafted safeties since 2001
- Bobby Gray
- Todd Johnson
- Alfonso Marshall
- Rod Wilson
- Chris Harris
- Danieal Manning
- Kevin Payne
- Craig Steltz
- Al Afalava
- Major Wright
- Chris Conte
- Brandon Hardin
- Brock Vereen
- Adrian Amos
- Deon Bush
- DeAndre Houston-Carson
Nobody would blame you for throwing up a little in your mouth after reading this list. The avalanche of sadness is apparent with each subsequent name. The only two who actually managed to make something of themselves in Chicago were Chris Harris and Danieal Manning. Harris had one standout year in 2010 but was otherwise average. Manning was an okay safety but added some pop as a kick returner.
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Tired of the same, old song and dance
None of them were dependable starters long-term, much less above-average studs. They were also a group haunted by some of the more heartbreaking Bears moments in recent history. Perhaps no player helped illustrate that more than Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers star quarterback has twice burned Bears safeties deep in the waning moments of a game to snatch heartbreaking victories.
It’s one of those cases where everybody in the stadium knew Rodgers was going to take a shot. Yet it didn’t matter. He knew his receivers were that much better than the Bears safeties and each time he was exactly right. It’s something fans are getting sick and tired of seeing happen. Hence the ever growing chorus of cries for the team to stopping messing around. Find the best safety in the draft and get him.
This more than anything explains the ongoing rush of mock drafts stating they will take LSU standout Jamal Adams. Several analysts including Mel Kiper and former scout Bucky Brooks state he’s the most complete safety in draft. The fact this class is one of the best in years only enhances that standing. Adams not only has physical talent, but is also widely lauded for his instinct and leadership qualities. All things the Bears defense can use.
