Bears ink final unsigned draft pick
Bears ink final unsigned draft pick
By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 5/15/2012 11:04 AM
The Bears’ last remaining unsigned draft pick, third-round safety Brandon Hardin of Oregon State, inked a four-year contract Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.
Bears third-round draft pick Brandon Hardin signs his first NFL contract Tuesday at Halas Hall.
Traditionally one of the fastest NFL teams to sign their draft picks, the Bears even outdid themselves this year, having signed all six of their picks by May 15.
The Bears are the sixth NFL team to sign its entire 2012 draft class, joining the Giants, Packers, Panthers, Ravens and Seahawks.
Hardin missed the entire 2011 season with a broken shoulder, an injury that required surgery. He did return, however, to play in the East-West Shrine Game in January.
The 6-3, 217-pounder was a three-year contributor at Oregon State, where he registered 105 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 38 games. He started all 12 games at right cornerback in 2010, recording 63 tackles and three forced fumbles.
“This is a big, fast, physical, dynamic athlete,” general manager Phil Emery said after Hardin was drafted.
“We feel like we’re going to get a lot of mileage out of Brandon right from the get-go in terms of special teams and working as our third or fourth safety. Right now he needs to earn that and see how far he goes.”
Bears ink their last unsigned draft pick
