One of the positions that haven’t gotten a lot of attention so far this offseason for obvious reasons is safety. The Chicago Bears have their focus directed on fixing the offense. Hardly a surprise after it finished 27th in the league last season. That combined with the fresh contract extension for Eddie Jackson, one can forgive people for somewhat glossing over the problems at safety. However, it’s not something to ignore.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is a free agent this March. He’ll be joined by both Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson. This could leave Jackson as the only notable safety on the roster with no starter and no depth to speak. That is less than ideal given how much the Bears have leaned on their defense the past two years. It is for this reason that some think safety is higher on their priority list than they’re letting on.
Particularly in the draft.
The Bears have already met with a number of interesting prospects at that position. According to Christian Shanafelt of NFL Draft Bible, another was added at the Senior Bowl. His name is Kyle Dugger. A virtual unknown last year, he’s rapidly jumped into the draft community consciousness as a Division II standout from Lenoir-Rhyne University.
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Chicago Bears don’t mind gambling on guys like Dugger
People aren’t kidding around when talking about Dugger. They view him as a truly elite athlete in this class. A big 6’2 safety who can both deliver the hard hit or run with speed down the field. His six punt return touchdowns prove that much. He was so good in 2019 that he managed to win the Cliff Harris award for best Division II defender despite playing in just seven games.
Aside from that, there is probably another reason the Bears are drawn to him. Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network explained in his scouting report.
“Blue collar attitude with glowing reviews for his football character and work ethic. He’ll be an asset in a locker room and on the field, he’s a “try hard” with elite physical gifts — a pretty rare combination. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and looks to physically impose his will on opposing players.”
So an elite athlete with zero off-the-field concerns, a relentless work ethic, and a great locker room mentality? That checks every single box of what the Bears have targeted since Ryan Pace took over as GM in 2015. This is their ideal sort of player. Of course, many fans will have major reservations given he comes from a small school. Obviously they’re still sore from being burned by the Adam Shaheen debacle.
Then again, Pace has shown no fear of taking risks on small school prospects. He trusts his evaluations that much. If Dugger is there in the 2nd round, the Bears could roll the dice once again.
