When discussing the Chicago Bears’ off-season needs, most people agree in comes down to four key positions. Quarterback is obvious. That is followed by wide receiver, center, and edge rusher in whichever order you prefer. GM Ryan Poles must address them at some point between free agency and the draft to give this team a reasonable chance to improve on its 7-10 record from last season. However, there might be a fifth position not enough people are talking about. It is one that became an issue once the Bears parted ways with Eddie Jackson.
While Jaquan Brisker is now the unquestioned leader among the safeties on defense, they must find him a running mate. Jackson leaving wasn’t a surprise. That doesn’t change the fact the Bears will be missing something in their pass coverage until they find a viable free safety option. They could address this in free agency. Some interesting options might be available. Or they could opt for somebody in the draft. A high selection in the 1st round won’t happen. This means it will be somebody in the 3rd round or later. According to Justin Mel of The Draft Network, they may have that guy in mind.
He is Air Force standout Trey Taylor.
“I spoke with 31 teams. There’s only one team that didn’t speak with me. I had a bunch of great conversations. Carolina, Washington, Chicago, Green Bay, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and Las Vegas really stood out to me.
Those were the top six or seven teams that I left the meetings feeling great about. I left with a clear mind. I saw a strong possibility to be an early mid-round pick by one of those teams.”
Taylor is a different animal from Eddie Jackson.
He doesn’t have the lanky frame with rangy athleticism the former All-Pro possessed. He’s more of a hybrid talent. Taylor actually started out as a running back before coaches felt he might have a future at safety. That isn’t a surprise since he is cousins with all-time great Ed Reed. Despite playing the position for only three seasons, his improvement was consistent and rapid. He collected three interceptions, one of them a pick-six, 74 tackles, and five tackles for a loss. His work helped him win the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award for the nation’s best defensive back.
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Keep in mind, this is the same award guys like Deion Sanders, Mark Carrier, Charles Woodson, Malcolm Jenkins, Eric Berry, Patrick Peterson, and Minkah Fitzpatrick have won over the years. It is usually pretty good at pinpointing players who will have successful NFL careers. Taylor is not only a good athlete with a 6’0, 205-lb frame, but he is reportedly a locker room leader with a relentless work ethic. The more you hear about him, the more you understand the Bears’ interest. Don’t be surprised if he ends up replacing Eddie Jackson.
