The Chicago Bears draft Stephen Denmark out of Valdosta State to complete their 2019 draft class. The 7th round is always supposed to be about calculated risks. GM Ryan Pace didn’t disappoint with this one. Denmark started his college career at wide receiver before being shifted to cornerback. So he’s obviously raw in a lot of areas.
Want to know what else he is? A ridiculous athlete. At 6’3, he can run a 4.46 and jumped an absurd 43.5 inches in the vertical at his pro day. There is nothing this kid can’t do from a physical standpoint. The big question with him is whether he has the work ethic and discipline to correct his several fundamental issues.
“Raw, receiver turned cornerback project with elite physical traits and athletic tools, but a complete lack of coverage fundamentals that shows up time and again on tape. The traits will have defensive back coaches day-dreaming of his potential as a physical press-and-trail cornerback if they can get the footwork and feel for the position squared away.”
Chicago Bears draft Stephen Denmark with an idea of what he could be
Understand this. Denmark didn’t start playing cornerback until 2018. That’s not a misprint. He’s only played the position for a year. So for him to still have three interceptions as a senior is pretty impressive and perhaps a sign of what he could become if he continues to learn the craft.
One must also remember there’s a bit of looking forward with this pick. Prince Amukamara is entering his 30s. The Bears will have a decision to make regarding his contract next year. It may require a tough sacrifice to let him walk, saving money for other extensions to come.
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If they can help develop Denmark, he can easily take over that outside cornerback position. He plays physical, has a good eye for the ball, and seems to have the speed required to hang with receivers down the field. It’s far from a guarantee, but the potential reward is worth the risk.
