The Chicago Bears have no idea how the NFL draft will go two months from now. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus only just arrived. The scouting process is barely underway for them. There is a lot of catching up to do. With no 1st round pick, it is almost impossible to tell how the board will look when the Bears finally go on the clock on Day 2 in the 2nd round. That said, certain players stand out as likely targets.
In Eberflus’ case, one name to circle is Cincinnati safety, Bryan Cook. The Bears coach said he wanted players known for their hustle, intensity, intelligence, and ability to produce takeaways. Cook checks most of those boxes. He had two interceptions in 2021 and 96 tackles. His physical presence alone was hard to miss on film. It always felt like he was near the football on every play—a sign of his instinct and awareness. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com sounds like a big fan.
“Skilled enforcer with the size, toughness and instincts to put his stamp on the game in a variety of ways. Cook plays with the confidence and consistency of a pro safety and loves to run and hit. His blend of football intelligence, athleticism and physicality makes him an ideal fit for matchup-oriented defenses looking for versatile back-end chameleons.”
Zierlein’s comparison for Cook is most telling.
He sees Julian Blackmon when watching the young safety. In case people don’t know, Blackmon was a breakout rookie star for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, collecting 42 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. It was a severe loss for their defense when the Colts lost him after just six games to an Achilles injury last year. That kind of tone-setter is hard to replace.
Well, I can tell you for absolute fact that I'm watching Bryan Cook after this. Loads up and absolutely levels your pulling tackle. pic.twitter.com/7Oe56yC4dL
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) February 11, 2022
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FS Bryan Cook is a fun study… pic.twitter.com/QwiO5zgDls
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 4, 2021
This is something the Bears have lacked on the back end for years. Eddie Jackson is not somebody who can do that. Adrian Amos was the closest thing they had. Not since Mike Brown in the mid-2000s have they had a physical leader at safety defenses are forced to account for. Things were always different when Brown was on the field. Even Brian Urlacher said so. No doubt Eberflus would love to get his own Brown. That is what Cook can be.
Matt Eberflus may need some luck to get him
It is important to remember that he doesn’t have the final say on roster decisions. That rests with Poles and the new GM didn’t list safety as one of the biggest needs he must address in the coming weeks. Offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback figure to get the most attention. There is little likelihood that Poles would spend the Bears’ first pick in the draft on a safety. Especially when Justin Fields needs so much help.
However, there is room for hope. Don’t forget that Blackmon was drafted in the 3rd round by the Colts in 2020. If this comparison with Cook holds up, then it is possible he may find himself going in the same range. This would permit the Bears to secure offensive help in the 2nd round and then get Matt Eberflus a player he’d love.
As always, it depends on how the draft board falls.
Safeties don’t usually get top priority among teams this time of year. That is reserves for cornerbacks and pass rushers. Another thing that may work in the Bears’ favor. Just be sure to keep Cook’s name circled in April. He is somebody with the exact traits this new regime covets.
