A Chicago Bears supplemental draft move hasn’t happened in eight years. Not since the team selected fullback Harvey Unga in 2010. Since then they’ve stayed away from it. Part of the reason is the talent just hasn’t been there aside from the arrival of Josh Gordon in 2012. The supplemental draft is known for being a huge roll of the dice on players with either academic or off-the-field concerns.
GM Ryan Pace has a history of avoiding problematic players like that, but there are certain exceptions. If the talent is good enough and there is a strong explanation for the issues, he’s willing to take risks. If that’s the case, one should expect him to not shrink from the idea of making a move for Sam Beal.
The Western Michigan cornerback has become the focus of the upcoming supplemental draft on July 11th. He dealt with not having enough credits to play in the 2018 season for his team. So he had a choice to stick it out or declare for the NFL. He chose the latter. Preparations to gain the attention of teams are already underway.
Reports out of his pro day have revealed he’s in top form ahead of the event.
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In supplemental draft news: Former Western Michigan CB Sam Beal just ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day, according to someone there. Solidified that he’s one of the top prospects in the Supplemental Draft in years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 28, 2018
Bears supplemental draft plans need to consider Beal carefully
The thing about the Bears defense is it’s heavily reliant on quality coverage from the cornerbacks. A 3-4 defense requires man coverage from its secondary. This allows the defensive coordinator (Vic Fangio) to get creative with how he pressures the quarterback up front. Teams who can play this kind of coverage tend to be really good.
The Bears seem solid on paper but there’s no such thing as too many good cover guys. This is especially true with several corners currently on the roster having deals that are about to expire. Bryce Callahan, Marcus Cooper and Cre’Von LeBlanc will all be free agents in 2019. That creates a potential problem with the depth of their secondary.
This isn’t counting Prince Amukamara who is approaching his 30th birthday. The need to add more young bodies to the mix is growing. Beal could be the sort of talent Fangio can turn into a star.
Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com laid out what he brings to the table.
“Above average height/length combination with lean muscle definition. Former track athlete with NFL-level play speed (estimated 4.45-4.48 40-yard dash speed based on tape study). Smooth hips and lower body to turn and run with minimal wasted movements. Displays the recovery quickness to regain body position after a false step.
Aggressive press-man mentality with violent jabs off the snap to disrupt the timing of receivers. Looks to pin receivers against the sideline and doesn’t shy using his body to cut off direction routes. Improved feel for reading route breaks in 2017 compared to his 2016 tape.”
Beal is just the sort of project Fangio has turned into gold many times
It’s apparent the young man has talent. Just like many young players though he needs time to refine his fundamentals and discipline. Once he does that, his mix of size and speed will make him a matchup problem for any wide receiver he lines up against. He wouldn’t be the first unheralded defensive back Fangio has turned into a stud.
The Bears don’t have a second round pick for next year to offer in the supplemental draft. However, they do have a third rounder. If Beal falls to that position, it might be hard to pass on him. He’s up there in talent with any of the corners they’re likely to find in the 2019 draft next year. Why not grab him now and see if he can help them win right away?
