The Chicago Bears were never going to invest significant resources into their secondary this offseason. They’d already done that over the previous two years with Jaylon Johnson (contract), Kyler Gordon (2nd round pick), Jaquan Brisker (2nd round pick), and Tyrique Stevenson (2nd round pick). If new defensive backs coach Al Harris wanted to tweak the secondary, he’d have to do it on a budget. It appears he has no issue with that. He already pushed the Bears to grab cornerback Zah Frazier in the 5th round of the draft.
Harris decided to make another small addition to the mix following rookie minicamps. Jeremiah Walker of Stephen F. Austin attended the workouts as a tryout player. It seems he made a good impression since the Bears signed him as their 11th undrafted rookie. Walker is 6’0 “and 195 lbs, so he has the size Harris tends to prefer. He also showcased ball skills with four interceptions as a sophomore in 2021. Speed, route recognition, and quickness also appear to be strengths.
Al Harris is no stranger to molding overlooked players.
Charvarius Ward, Daniel Sorensen, Eric Murray, Markquese Bell, and DaRon Bland were all undrafted free agents or late round picks the Bears’ coach helped acquire and develop for his former teams. This indicates it might be wise to trust Al Harris with these decisions. He has a sharp eye for talent and understands how to get the most from guys. Walker has the tools to play in the NFL. It comes down to whether he can handle the significant jump in competition he’ll experience after spending his entire college career at the FCS level. He wouldn’t be the first. Rod Woodson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Leonard Smith came from that level. Granted, they were all drafted, but it wouldn’t be the first time somebody like Walker blossomed.
