Thread: Bears Find Safety in Numbers............

Bears find safety in numbers

Rookie Hardin eager to learn position, make an impact on defense

Rookie safety Brandon Hardin (35) at minicamp at Halas Hall. (José M. Osorio/Tribune Photo / May 13, 2012)

By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter 7:00 p.m. CDT, May 13, 2012



If Brandon Hardin follows the majority of those who came before him, the rookie safety from Oregon State will be in the starting lineup at some point this season.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Bears used a draft pick on a safety. Five of the previous seven started during their first season, including Chris Conte, the third-round pick from last year slated to begin this season at free safety.

It's impossible to make any judgments on Hardin, a third-round pick, after rookie minicamp, but he looked the part at 6- foot-3, 217 pounds with range that enabled him to play cornerback in college.

"I thought it went well," Hardin said. "There was a ton of growth."

During the draft, the Bears said Hardin would be worked primarily as a strong safety, but he spent the majority of the camp at free safety. That's an easier transition for a cornerback and it's the first phase. Eventually, he'll learn both spots.

Hardin's goal is to help the team however he can. Of course, his focus is on pushing for a starting job.

"I definitely think it is possible I can start," he said. "I have to earn it first. I have to learn. It's a huge step from corner in college to safety in the NFL. There is a huge caliber jump so I need to get into the books, take in coaching, learn everything."

Secondary coach Jon Hoke liked what he saw. He said the club's injury history at the position was one of the factors in selecting Hardin, who he called an "intriguing guy" because of his size and speed. Right now, Conte and Major Wright, who combined have 20 career starts, are atop the depth chart.

"Neither can say they are established," Hoke said. "Major has been dinged up a little bit. He came out of college clean and he's had some dings, he's missed some games, some time. I just think when this type of athlete (like Hardin) comes available, you take advantage of it."

Sign me up: Seven of the 34 players in rookie minicamp on a tryout basis agreed to terms on three-year contracts, including Wisconsin-Whitewater quarterback Matt Blanchard. With 87 players now and still growing, some roster moves will be required to fit under the 90-man limit.

"Some of the undrafted players made their mark," coach Lovie Smith said. "But the group of tryout guys that came here without a contract, always anxious to see what we have from those and a few of the guys really made us take notice. We'll end up signing a couple of those guys. Tomorrow, they'll blend right in with our veterans and now the roster really is starting to whole up the way we want it to."

Also signing will be Texas Southern wide receiver Joseph Anderson, Illinois State tight end Brandon Venson, Concordia tackle Tyler Hendrickson, Central Florida guard Nick Pieschel, Boston College punter Ryan Quigley and Connecticut kicker David Teggart.

The expansion of roster limits from 80 to 90 will more easily allow teams to take players like Quigley and Teggart to training camp as "camp legs" that take some of the pressure off regulars Adam Podlesh and Robbie Gould.

Animal kingdom: It doesn't take keen observation skills to determine this is the best group of wide receivers the Bears have had in, well, an awful long time. The trade for Brandon Marshall and the drafting of Alshon Jeffery has provided the team with two big options, strengthening a group even though Johnny Knox will likely miss the season.

"I think we've totally balanced it," wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said. "We've got two giraffes outside and we've got some cheetahs inside, so I'm looking forward to it. When you have guys with that kind of ability and that kind of size, the ball doesn't always have to be perfect. Jay (Cutler) doesn't always have to put it right there. He can throw the ball up in the air, and the guys have the ability to go up and get it. It makes a difference."