Terell Smith Clone Reportedly Has Bears' Attention

Every regime in Chicago Bears history seemed to gravitate towards certain position groups in the draft. Jerry Angelo was always going after defensive linemen, Phil Emery had a thing for safeties, and Ryan Pace liked going after interior offensive linemen. For Ryan Poles, it is apparent he loves stacking cornerbacks. He has already selected three of them across his first two drafts. Most people talk about the two 2nd round picks, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson. That is understandable. They're high selections and both are starters. However, one other name is in that mix. Former 5th round pick Terell Smith.

Many inside Halas Hall are big fans of the Minnesota standout. When thrust into the lineup as a rookie last season, he showcased a lot of capability. His run defense stood out and he was far from a weak link in coverage. So it shouldn't be a huge surprise the Bears would be interested in another player who reminds them of him. Multiple insiders revealed Chicago is meeting with Kentucky standout Andru Phillips this week. Draft analyst Chris Trapasso believes he is a carbon copy of Smith.

Phillips would be a bigger project than Terell Smith.

He only has two years of legitimate game experience playing cornerback, so it isn't surprising that his instincts and awareness for the position are lacking at this point. That said, he's a good athlete with the mental and physical toughness the Bears prefer in their players. He's a willing run supporter and flashes lots of promise in coverage. He can play man well. The core issue is learning the intricacies of zone. That is why coming to Chicago would actually be great for him. Head coach Matt Eberflus has taught that style most of his career.

If the Bears do take him and he ends up like Terell Smith, that secondary may have one of the deepest and most talented cornerback groups in the NFL. Not a bad advantage to have in a division loaded with talented quarterbacks and wide receivers. Perhaps Poles deserves more credit for understanding where it's important to be strong on defense. They have an All-Pro on one side in Jaylon Johnson, with two ascending talents flanking him. You're in great shape if you have Smith and Phillips as the fourth and fifth guys.