Thread: Emery Matches Size and Speed to Schemes............

Emery matches speed and size to schemes

GM's picks in NFL draft are good fits who should upgrade Bears

Matt Bowen Scouting the Bears

April 29, 2012




The Bears first draft under Phil Emery provided a look inside the scouting mind of the new general manager.

The plan: Target prospects with size and speed measurables that fit scheme, create matchups and provide an impact on all four special teams units.

Shea McClellin, the Bears first-round pick, was projected to go to multiple 3-4 defensive teams because of his flexibility as an athlete. With the Bears, the Boise State product will have his hand on the ground as a defensive end.

McClellin has an explosive first step, technique at the point of attack and 4.6 speed off the edge. Aligning opposite Julius Peppers, McClellin will be asked to provide consistent pressure and fill a major need. His impact is vital for the success of the Cover-2 defense. It's not easy to drop seven into coverage when you don't have pressure up front.

The Bears took some risk in this draft, starting with Alshon Jeffery. Emery traded up to land the former South Carolina wide receiver, but he comes with some question marks. Jeffery's production dropped last season and his weight has been a concern in the past. However, this is a receiver with legit size (6 feet 3) who dropped his weight to 216 to run 4.4-4.5 at his pro day.

He has real ability to go up and get the football. The transition versus pressing coverage is an adjustment for any rookie, but he's projected to be able to win on inside breaking concepts (slant, dig, post) and become a top target in the red zone (goal-line fade route). He's another receiver, along with veteran Brandon Marshall, added to transform and upgrade the position.

I'm curious about the selection of yet another safety in Oregon State's Brandon Hardin. He comes with big size (6-3, 217) and ideal mid-4.4 speed for the position. But what about the injury history? Hardin missed all of 2011 with a shoulder injury and only had fifteen starts at Oregon State.

But he's a prospect with the ability to run, hit and cover on special teams. As for competition in the secondary, Major Wright needs to be pushed at strong safety. As a third-round pick, Hardin should be expected to challenge for some playing time, but I'm thinking special teams will be his primary role.

Tight end/H-back Evan Rodriguez out of Temple in an interesting pick for the fourth round. He's athletic with 4.5 speed. I look at Rodriguez as a "move guy" who can align in multiple positions and run inside vertical routes. As part of "Ace" personnel on the field (two wide receivers, two tight ends, one running back) he could draw the matchup of a linebacker or strong safety.

Even with Kellen Davis on the roster, the Bears invested in a player they believe has the ability to work the middle of the field.

Late in the draft, the idea is to find developmental players who will battle for a roster spot. In the sixth and seventh rounds, the Bears land two cornerbacks.

Sixth-rounder Isaiah Frey from Nevada had some production during his senior season and brings 4.4 speed to the secondary. In the seventh, TCU's Greg McCoy has ability to return kicks and is another cornerback with top end 4.4 speed.

For both rookies, special teams is their ticket to making the roster. If they can make some plays covering kicks it will give the coaches a reason to keep them around.

One thing is for sure when looking at the Bears' draft: Speed sells with Emery. Every player drafted over the last three days has a 40 time of 4.6 or better. And while the offensive line was ignored, this was a draft that focused on athletes with solid workout numbers.

As for an overall grade on Emery's first draft, let's wait to see them play some pro football in pads first.

Special contributor Matt Bowen, who played at Glenbard West and Iowa, spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety. You also can find his work at nationalfootballpost.com.