Chicago Bears Scouts Were In Force to See Top Draft Corner Ball

The Chicago Bears scouts have developed a strong reputation for the past few years at finding hidden gems on the defensive side of the ball. Particularly in the secondary with names like Adrian Amos, Bryce Callahan, and Eddie Jackson. With no 1st or 2nd round pick next year, they need to be on their game and do extra homework to ensure the team can still score some hits in the 2019 draft. Cornerback will likely be at the top of the needs list. Though the trio of Callahan, Kyle Fuller, and Prince Amukamara is good. One can't call any of them special. The search for somebody of the caliber like Charles Tillman continues and hopes are high next year may provide an answer. That's why the Bears scouts were well-represented at the Northwestern-Wisconsin game.

Both programs are notorious for producing quality defensive backs. Since 2000 they've produced a collective 13 players at safety or corner who was eventually drafted. This includes Bears special teams captain Sherrick McManis. No doubt they had eyes on some intriguing names Saturday. None more so than Montre Hartage.

Chicago Bears scouts could not ignore Hartage all game long

It's not every day that a cornerback basically takes over a game but it felt like Hartage did that for the Wildcats in a 31-17 victory. Wisconsin managed just 158 yards passing and a big reason was that they constantly went at him in coverage, only to be denied. Hartage had four pass breakups on the day including a crucial one on 4th down late in the game to help seal the victory. He also made five tackles. Hartage certainly looks the part. He's 6'0, 195 lbs, athletic, plays physical and shows the instinct and ball skills that NFL teams covet.

Since 2016, Hartage has eight interceptions and a forced fumble. He's not among the big names being talked about for the draft next year and perhaps that's a good thing. The last time a Northwestern defensive back was taken higher than the 3rd round was 1961. It just doesn't happen. So the odds favor him being on the board when the Bears finally go on the clock next April. If so, he could be quite a strong addition to their secondary.