Matt Eberflus is an experienced football lifer. He’s learned over several years that it takes a certain type of athlete to have success in the NFL. That is why he says the same thing every time he’s asked about what he looks for in players. He wants them athletic, long, and physical. One way to measure this is through the scouting combine, where the best players in every draft gather to go through testing. The defensive back group had their day on March 3rd. It was an eye-opening experience, given some of the feats accomplished.
That led to an interesting question. Who among them met the Eberflus prototype? I dug into the data of every defensive back that was drafted during his time as a defensive coordinator in Indianapolis through his first year in Chicago. A few trends popped up. The player must have a 40-yard dash time in the low 4.5s at least. He must also demonstrate lower body explosion. This is measured by a vertical leap of at least 39.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet flat (120 inches).
The Chicago Bears will note 5 names checked those boxes this year.
Darrell Luter Jr. (CB, South Alabama)
- 40 time: 4.46 seconds
- Vertical: 40.5 inches
- Broad: 10 feet, 3 inches
Jakorian Bennett (CB, Maryland)
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- 40 time: 4.30 seconds
- Vertical: 40.5 inches
- Broad: 11 feet, 1 inch
Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)
- 40 time: 4.38 seconds
- Vertical: 41.5 inches
- Broad: 11 feet, 1 inch
Julius Brents (CB, Kansas State)
- 40 time: 4.53 seconds
- Vertical: 41.5 inches
- Broad: 11 feet, 6 inches
Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)
- 40 time: 4.35 seconds
- Vertical: 42 inches
- Broad: 11 feet, 4 inches
Luter got his hands on the football a lot in two seasons with five INTs and 17 passes defended. There are concerns about his ability to read and react in zone coverage. Bennett is an athletic freak but he struggled to create turnovers and had penalty issues. Banks is Bennett’s teammate and somehow the better athlete. He’s not known for takeaways but his size, speed, and intelligence allow him to blanket almost anybody. Brents is the pre-draft star this year. He was excellent at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his length and physicality. Now he proved his athleticism here. Matt Eberflus has to like what he sees. Gonzalez might be the best of the bunch, drawing comparisons to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He has all the physical tools. Chicago likely won’t have a shot at him since he will go in the 1st round.
I don’t think DB huge need, but Poles/Flus both showed how important they viewed the position(s) by first 2 picks ever with Bears 🐻
Both DBs…. Plus a toss in safety in 7th round…
I’d be surprised if we don’t take another swing somewhere in draft at CB, we could still use another starter be it slot/outside. And likely have Kyler moving all over still based on matchups
The skill set is important too. The nickel has to be twitchy and sticky and a good run defender and blitzer. That’s a tall order. The outside guys have to have good vision and ability to play lots of different zone coverages plus speed to close on the ball. The Flus D does not necessarily need the prototype #1 man to man corner like you need in the Fangio defense. For that reason alone you can find quality guys in later rounds. Which is good for us because CB is a lower priority and this draft is deep with quality… Read more »
Cb is pretty far down the needs list this off season.
I really hope the Bears can turn this thing around and become relevant again. That said is Matt Eberflus some type of visionary because he wants his players fast, long and physical. What are other coaches looking for; slow, short, and tender?