The truth is only the Chicago Bears know what their 2018 NFL draft priorities are. Experts and fans can speculate. Sure it’s likely that wide receiver, edge rusher and offensive line may sit near the top of the list. However with a new coaching it’s possible opinions may have shifted in this regard. In fact the same may be true for those who happened to stay.
It’s still early in the pre-draft process. There is much work to be done. Boards aren’t nearly close to being set and free agency must still come to pass. Still it’s possible GM Ryan Pace may have favorites at certain positions that people might believe settled at this point. Down at the Senior Bowl there is a small buzz this may be the case.
According to Matty Brown of Inside the Pylon, who is currently down in Mobile, the Bears conducted an extended meeting with one prospect in particular. One whom might put the future of a few names currently on the roster at risk.
And the #Chicago #Bears just met with #Penn #State strong safety Marcus Allen. Long meeting too.
They are definitely going after a SS. https://t.co/6MuwR3U6Im
— Matty Brown (@mattyfbrown) January 22, 2018
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago Bears certainly create confusion with Allen interest
It feels a little bit unusual that the Bears would show such strong interest in a safety. After all the position certainly looked strong in 2017. Rookie Eddie Jackson flashed signs of being a stud. The even bigger surprise though was the resurgence of Adrian Amos. After getting benched in favor of veteran Quintin Demps to start the season, an injury thrust him back into the starting lineup. He responded with a career-best effort 69 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.
So why would the Bears be showing such interest in Allen? Well the easiest answer is the kid is good. At least in the context of being that box defender they supposedly want. He’s 6’2″, 205 lbs and has over 170 tackles in the past two years for Penn State. He plays the run very well and also showcases outstanding instinct for sniffing out screens.
One thing that always stood out about the Fangio defense at its best was the strong safety. When he had one that could set the tone for games with physicality and be that extra guy in the box, they were great. Think Donte Whitner in San Francisco. His numbers never told the full story of how effective he was within that scheme. He was a big reason their run defense never ranked lower than fourth in the league in three seasons.
Perhaps that is what Fangio is hoping to get back in someone like Allen.