Want to know the future? With their first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select…Khalil Mack! Furthermore, with their second-round selection, the Bears select…Anthony Miller! Alright, the gag’s over, but the point is clear. The bill for General Manager Ryan Pace‘s wheeling and dealing to get those two players came due. It will keep the Bears from picking until the third round (87th overall) unless, of course, they wheel and deal some more.
With all that in mind, fans can still look for prospects that will be available when the Bears make their third-round selection that will fit the team’s need. And they do have needs. During the lead up to the draft, check back in with Last Word on Pro Football for profiles on players at positions of need for the Monsters of the Midway. First up was running backs. In this edition, we will cover the cornerback position. After going from Bryce Callahan to Buster Skrine, the cornerback room got longer in the tooth.
Solid Cornerback Prospects Could Be Around for Chicago Bears Late in 2019 NFL Draft
Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Lonnie Johnson Jr. is a former JUCO transfer who transferred to the University of Kentucky as a junior after sitting 2016 out for academic reasons. In his two years on the UK campus, he amassed 64 total tackles, one interception, one sack, and one forced fumble. He also played 22 games for the Wildcats but was a four-star JUCO recruit. And he showed well at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, showcasing his exceptional length. His ball skills do leave something to be desired, though.
Lonnie Johnson runs an unofficial 4.39 in his first 40-yard dash attempt. pic.twitter.com/PidkzOp0W1
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) March 22, 2019
At 6’2″, 210 lbs., Johnson Jr. certainly fits the mold of a former pupil of Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Jimmy Smith. The self-proclaimed best corner in the draft, scouts are not in love with the tape. But his measurables are tantalizing. The aforementioned performance at the Senior Bowl likely increased his value, so he might not fall to Chicago, and he is raw. But getting him in the Bears system could be the answer.
Justin Layne
Justin Layne is an intriguing prospect who began his career at Michigan State as a wide receiver. Another big (6’2”, 192 lbs.) corner, Layne notched 130 total tackles, three picks, a forced fumble, and a half-sack across 34 games. The junior was rewarded for his play in 2018, when he was named second-team All-Big Ten. He is a willing and capable tackler with plus ball skills as a converted wideout.
Justin Layne has looked really smooth in drills today pic.twitter.com/brU1UTcMKR
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 4, 2019
A high-IQ defender who does well in man (not so much in zone), Layne is well versed at either outside spot. He is also adept at press coverage and his physicality would mix well with Pagano’s aggressive scheme. While he does not possess elite foot speed, his length allows him to compensate. He could be a nice replacement for Prince Amukamara down the road. This is a player that screams Pace/Pagano and he should be around when they finally make noise.
David Long
Originally a Stanford commit, David Long started 24 games for the University of Michigan. He tallied 37 tackles, 12 passes defended and three interceptions. His 2018 season saw him earn first-team All-Big Ten honors. Long confirmed what scouts saw on tape and ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Some believe that he lacks the size and length (5’11”, 196 lbs.) for an outside corner and that a move to the slot could be in his future.
David Long flipping his hips 😍 pic.twitter.com/60nBH6JGw9
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 4, 2019
The Bears signed Skrine to play the slot this off-season and Matt Nagy has talked him up before. But he will also turn 30 in April and has an extensive concussion history. Long could learn from Skrine while the latter is available and potentially even step in immediately if he has a good camp. The interesting thing about Long is that his size is what might cause him to slide, but it is also what makes him a good fit for the Bears.
Bears Should Have Options
Not picking until the third round hurts. And the trade of Jordan Howard might shift the team’s priorities. But they should also be looking to address the secondary. They don’t want to get caught should injuries hit them after remaining relatively healthy last season. Just like Skrine, Amukamara will turn 30 before the season so an infusion of youth in the defensive backfield is necessary. All of the prospects at this level are flawed, but Long might be the best value as well as fit.
A surprise turnaround from 5-11 to 12-4 has expectations at heights they have not been since at least 2010. Bear fans would say Mack was worth it and Miller taking his play up another level would help. Chicago’s young players should also take a major leap in the Nagy system. But they drafted well in Pace’s tenure, especially later in drafts. This year will definitely be a test, albeit one they are uniquely equipped to take on.
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