These DBs Passed The Matt Eberflus Test At Scouting Combine

Matt Eberflus is an experienced football lifer. He's learned over several years that it takes a certain type of athlete to have success in the NFL. That is why he says the same thing every time he's asked about what he looks for in players. He wants them athletic, long, and physical. One way to measure this is through the scouting combine, where the best players in every draft gather to go through testing. The defensive back group had their day on March 3rd. It was an eye-opening experience, given some of the feats accomplished.

That led to an interesting question. Who among them met the Eberflus prototype? I dug into the data of every defensive back that was drafted during his time as a defensive coordinator in Indianapolis through his first year in Chicago. A few trends popped up. The player must have a 40-yard dash time in the low 4.5s at least. He must also demonstrate lower body explosion. This is measured by a vertical leap of at least 39.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet flat (120 inches).

The Chicago Bears will note 5 names checked those boxes this year.

Darrell Luter Jr. (CB, South Alabama)

• 40 time: 4.46 seconds
• Vertical: 40.5 inches
• Broad: 10 feet, 3 inches

Jakorian Bennett (CB, Maryland)

• 40 time: 4.30 seconds
• Vertical: 40.5 inches
• Broad: 11 feet, 1 inch

Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)

• 40 time: 4.38 seconds
• Vertical: 41.5 inches
• Broad: 11 feet, 1 inch

Julius Brents (CB, Kansas State)

• 40 time: 4.53 seconds
• Vertical: 41.5 inches
• Broad: 11 feet, 6 inches

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)

• 40 time: 4.35 seconds
• Vertical: 42 inches
• Broad: 11 feet, 4 inches

Luter got his hands on the football a lot in two seasons with five INTs and 17 passes defended. There are concerns about his ability to read and react in zone coverage. Bennett is an athletic freak but he struggled to create turnovers and had penalty issues. Banks is Bennett's teammate and somehow the better athlete. He's not known for takeaways but his size, speed, and intelligence allow him to blanket almost anybody. Brents is the pre-draft star this year. He was excellent at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his length and physicality. Now he proved his athleticism here. Matt Eberflus has to like what he sees. Gonzalez might be the best of the bunch, drawing comparisons to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He has all the physical tools. Chicago likely won't have a shot at him since he will go in the 1st round.