Chicago Bears Have Eyes on This Athletic Cover Corner

The Chicago Bears might undergo a transition at the cornerback position this offseason. Prince Amukamara could end up being a salary cap casualty due to his age and health issues. This would leave Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine as the only two corners on the roster with extensive experience. Kevin Toliver, Duke Shelley, and Michael Joseph were hardly tested most of the of the year. This secondary needs more depth at that position.

If GM Ryan Pace can't find any at a reasonable price in free agency, then the draft will be where he must focus. Word is they are paying close attention to cornerbacks throughout their evaluation process. This was confirmed when reports came out that they'd met with a notable prospect down at the Senior Bowl. A.J. Green, not to be confused with the star Bengals wide receiver, has put together a productive career at Oklahoma State.

He had four interceptions in 2017 and then 11 passes defended in 2018. He's known for being tall, long, and athletic. The ideal press cover corner. Trevor Sikkema of The Draft Network seems to agree.

"Is most comfortable in closer coverage where he can start right in front of the face of a wide receiver, but he has shown he can be effective in off coverage, too. Good height and length for the position with a 6-foot-1 frame. He is both quick and fast. Good acceleration and fast hips to move and change direction. Athleticism will not be an issue with Green."

Green is a great fit for what the Chicago Bears want

Chuck Pagano, the Bears defensive coordinator has always been a major proponent of cornerbacks who can play on an island in coverage. This makes it to where the defense has extra players freed up to attack the quarterback. A trademark of the 3-4 defense. Green would come in with both talent and experience. So it wouldn't be a stretch to think he could play right away. Something that would appeal to a team like the Bears who are in win-now mode.

As to where he ends up getting drafted? That remains unclear. Green is a top 50 prospect from a talent perspective but he'll need to show that at the Senior Bowl and the scouting combine next month. A lot can happen in that time. Clearly the Bears brass feels they will have a shot at getting him in the 2nd round with one of their two picks at #43 or #50. If it means keeping that defense strong? Then it must be done.