Tag: bears safety

Matt Nagy confirms competition at cornerback and safety

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson and S Tashaun Gipson remain the favorites to win starting jobs, but they’ll have to lock those jobs down in camp.

Don’t pencil in those 53-man roster projections just yet.

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy told reporters last week that there will indeed be competition at cornerback and safety in training camp.

Still, rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson and veteran safety Tashaun Gipson remain the clear-cut favorites to win the starting jobs opposite cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson, but they’ll have to lock those jobs down in camp and preseason.

The Bears released veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara earlier this offseason as a cap casualty, are they’re looking for his replacement opposite Fuller. Second-round pick Jaylon Johnson figures to assume that role. But he’ll have to battle a crowded cornerbacks room, including veteran Kevin Toliver and newcomers Artie Burns and Tre Roberson.

Chicago lost safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to free agency, which frees Eddie Jackson to move back to his natural position of free safety in 2020. While Deon Bush looked to be in line to replace Clinton-Dix, the Bears added veteran safety and ballhawk Tashaun Gipson, who should win the starting job opposite Jackson.

Heading into training camp, there will be several roster battles to watch, including cornerback and safety. Although those figure to be less of a surprise than, say, the quarterback battle between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles.

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Bears safety Eddie Jackson among NFL’s best DBs in coverage

Eddie Jackson became the NFL’s highest-paid safety this offseason, and there’s a reason why. He’s one of the best safeties in the NFL.

Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson was rewarded with a four-year, $58.4 million contract extension this offseason. He became the NFL’s highest-paid safety, and there’s a reason why.

In just three seasons, Jackson has established himself as one of the cornerstones of this dominant Bears defense. He has 184 tackles, 10 interceptions, 26 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and two sacks during that span. Jackson has also returned three of his interceptions and two of his fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

Simply put, he’s a playmaker. And opposing offenses are aware of that.

NFL.com’s Nick Shook examined the top 10 defensive backs in coverage, and Bears safety Eddie Jackson landed on the list at No. 5.

Here’s how Jackson stacks up in the key metrics the NFL used to create this list:

  • Passer rating allowed: 49.9
  • Catch rate allowed below expectation: -20.9
  • Tight window pct: 16.3
  • Target rate: 8.1
  • Average separation yards: 2.9

Here’s what Shook had to say about Jackson:

Jackson doesn’t get targeted all that much (43 times in 2019) and his ballhawk rate (9.3 percent) doesn’t jump off the screen, but quarterbacks are consistently frustrated by his coverage. Look no further than Jackson’s passer rating allowed of just 49.9 and his catch rate allowed below expectation of -20.9 percent. That’s by far the best mark of any player on this list, and while a lower total of targets has something to do with it, it’s still very impressive. The only number that is surprisingly low is Jackson’s interception total (one), as he’s demonstrated a nose for the ball in years past. His overall coverage resume is tough to argue with, though.

As Shook pointed out in his analysis, Jackson’s interception total was indeed low in 2019. But that had more to do with Chicago moving him to strong safety, where he wasn’t able to be the ballhawk that he’s established himself as in his first two seasons with the Bears.

With the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency, the Bears are moving Jackson back to free safety, where he’ll be able to play centerfield and make more of those game-changing plays and rack up interceptions.

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5 things to know about new Bears safety Tashaun Gipson

The Bears made their already-dominant defense better with the free-agent signing of veteran safety Tashaun Gipson.

The Chicago Bears made their already-dominant defense better with the free-agent signing of veteran safety Tashaun Gipson. He joins a secondary that consists of running mate Eddie Jackson, and cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and rookie Jaylon Johnson.

On paper, the Bears defense looks virtually unstoppable after some key offseason acquistions. After upgrading their pass rush this offseason with the additions of former All-Pro Robert Quinn and rookie Trevis Gipson, Chicago strengthened their secondary with a proven veteran playmaker in Tashaun Gipson.

Let’s get to know the newest Bears safety.

1. Gipson becomes the presumptive starter at strong safety

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After not addressing safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Bears found a veteran safety with plenty of starting experience that figures to be the starter opposite Eddie Jackson when the 2020 season kicks off. Gipson could wind up being an upgrade over the departed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who had a solid outing in his lone season with Chicago.

While Gipson has played most of his career as a free safety, the Bears appear to have confidence that Gipson will thrive in the role as strong safety alongside Jackson, who will return to free safety this season, where he’s been at his best.

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Report: Bears signing safety Tashaun Gipson to 1-year deal

The Bears have found Eddie Jackson’s running mate in veteran safety Tashaun Gipson.

After not addressing safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have upgraded the safety position with the reported signing of Tashaun Gipson to a one-year deal, according to Pro Football Talk.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune confirmed the news.

Gipson was cut by the Houston Texans earlier this week — just one year after signing a three-year, $22.5 million deal. He started 14 games for the Texans in 2019, but he landed on injured reserve with a back injury later in the regular season.

There’s no denying that Gipson is a clear upgrade at the safety position, and he immediately figures to be the starting strong safety job opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.

In eight seasons, Gipson has tallied 450 tackles, 23 interceptions and 46 passes defensed in 112 games, including 104 starts.

Gipson’s addition now brings the Bears’ roster to 90 players.

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2020 NFL Draft: 5 positions Bears should target on Day 3

Bears GM Ryan Pace has managed to find some late-round gems in the NFL Draft, which is what he’ll hope to achieve again on Day 3.

The Chicago Bears added two first-round talents in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with tight end Cole Kmet and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. But general manager Ryan Pace’s work is far from done.

There were no shortage of roster needs heading into this draft — and the Bears had just two picks in the first four rounds. So Pace and his team are going to need to work some magic in these later rounds.

For what it’s worth, Pace has managed to find some late-round gems in the NFL Draft, which is what fans will be looking for him to achieve on Day 3, given the Bears have five selections between rounds 5-7.

Let’s take a look at five positions that the Bears should consider addressing on Day 3 of the draft:

1. Safety

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears are in search of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s replacement to line up opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, who is moving back to free safety in 2020. The Bears opted to forgo a safety in the second — with some of the top prospects still on the board — which suggests that they’re confident in what they’ve got in Deon Bush and Jordan Lucas, who will battle for the starting strong safety spot opposite Jackson.

But they should definitely make an effort to bring in a young player to compete for that strong safety job. Some prospects still on the board for the Bears heading into Day 3 include Iowa’s Geno Stone, Maryland’s Antoine Brooks Jr., Alabama’s Shyheim Carter and Michigan’s Josh Metellus.

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4 don’ts for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things Bears GM Ryan Pace should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for Pace and co. ahead of this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DON’T: Trade up

Tim Boyle/Chicago Sun-Times via AP

Pace has a reputation for seeing his guy and doing whatever it takes to get him. For better or for worse. Although, typically, for worse. For every Khalil Mack there’s a Mitchell Trubisky. For every Eddie Jackson, there’s a Leonard Floyd.

Pace has traded up each of the last four drafts, including twice in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he traded up to select Floyd and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. In 2017, Pace traded up to grab Trubisky and Jackson. Then in 2018, he traded up to draft receiver Anthony Miller, and most recently in 2019, to select running back David Montgomery. Pace isn’t shy about trading up to select guys high on his board, but there’s a belief that changes this year.

Considering the Bears are already thin with the draft capital they currently have — they have just two selections in the first four founds — Chicago can’t afford to be relinquishing picks. Now, trading down on the other hand, that would serve to benefit the Bears and perhaps lock up a third or fourth-round selection.

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Bears have met with former XFL safety Kenny Robinson

The Bears are looking for a safety to pair opposite Eddie Jackson, and perhaps that’s former XFL star Kenny Robinson.

When it comes to roster needs heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, safety is near the top of the list for Chicago Bears.

So it’s not surprising that the Bears have shown interest in safeties during the pre-draft process, including a former XFL star that is draft-eligible.

The Bears recently met with former West Virginia and St. Louis BattleHawks safety Kenny Robinson, according to The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid.

Robinson proved to be a ball hawk during his time in the XFL and at the collegiate level. In five games with the BattleHawks, Robinson had two interceptions in the eight passes thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus charting.

At West Virginia, Robinson nabbed three interceptions — including two for scores — as a freshman. He followed that up with four picks as a sophomore in 2018.

The Bears are looking for a strong safety to pair opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson. While Robinson has played centerfield during his career, he’s a versatile player that can play either strong or free safety.

Robinson is projected to be a Day 3 prospect, which favors the Bears who currently have five picks in Rounds 5-7 — one in the fifth round and a pair of picks in both the sixth and seventh rounds.

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5 safeties the Bears should target in 2020 NFL Draft

In a weak safety class, the Bears need to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety. Here are five prospects that fit the bill.

With the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the Chicago Bears have a starting safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.

Right now, Deon Bush, Jordan Lucas and DeAndre Houston-Carson figure to battle it out for the starting strong safety spot, presumably alongside a rookie.

Many draft analysts have the Bears targeting a safety with one of their two second-round picks, and in a weak safety class, Chicago needs to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety.

Let’s take a look at five safeties the Bears could target in the NFL Draft:

1. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Chinn’s athleticism, size and speed make him an intriguing prospect, and he proved to a defensive playmaker for Southern Illinois. Chinn’s stock has been on the rise since his impressive outing at the Senior Bowl, and he’s now projected to be a Day 2 pick. Chinn has made it clear that he’d love to play for the Bears, and they appear to feel the same, as they’ve met with him twice during the pre-draft process.

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Who would be ideal top two picks for Bears in 2020 NFL Draft?

While you can never plan for things to fall exactly in place, who would be the Bears’ ideal top two picks?

With the 2020 NFL Draft just one week away, NFL clubs across the country, including the Chicago Bears, are finalizing plans and strategies for the three-day affair that will welcome in a slew of new players.

But those plans don’t always pan out like teams would like. That’s just the name of the game, and even the best draft experts can’t predict how the chips will fall.

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter and Lance Zierlein decided to pretend that’s not the case as they pinpointed the ideal top two picks for each club, including the Bears.

It’s no secret that the Bears have a number of needs on offense and defense, including offensive line and defensive back. Reuter and Zierlein believe that Chicago’s ideal scenario would involve bringing in Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz with the 43rd pick and Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn with the 50th selection.

Chicago is without a first-round pick again this year due to the trade for sack artist Khalil Mack. Fortunately, they have a couple second-round picks, including one from the Raiders in the Mack deal, that they can use to address two major areas of need: center and safety. Ruiz is an athletic player who has the football intelligence to step into the starting role on Day 1. Chinn’s size and hitting ability will allow him to play in the box when Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson is in centerfield, while his overall athleticism will enable him to handle deep coverage duties and work in the slot.

It’s more of an expectation that Chicago will address the offensive line in this draft, and Ruiz would be a player that you could plug in from Day 1. Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, but he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. The Bears have a vacant right guard spot to fill with Kyle Long’s retirement, and Ruiz could certainly occupy that role.

The Bears also have a starting strong safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro-Bowler Eddie Jackson. Chinn has been someone that the Bears have shown interest in, having met with him twice this pre-draft process. Chinn’s stock has risen since his performance at the Senior Bowl, and he’s someone that would be a great fit opposite Jackson.

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Bears target o-line, safety, tight end in new 5-round mock draft

With the 2020 NFL Draft just about a week away, we’re close to seeing what Bears GM Ryan Pace does for this roster.

With the 2020 NFL Draft just about a week away, we’re close to seeing what Bears general manager Ryan Pace does for this roster with needs on both the offense and defense.

In Sports Illustrated’s new five-round mock draft, Kevin Hanson has the Bears addressing three important needs in offensive line, safety and tight end.

With the 43rd overall pick, Hanson has Chicago landing Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz. While Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. Considering the Bears have a starting right guard job up for grabs, Ruiz could battle it out amongst Germain Ifedi, Alex Bars and Rashaad Coward.

Then the with the 50th overall selection, Hanson has the Bears targeting Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn. Chinn’s athleticism and ball skills make him one of the best safeties in this draft class. And with the Bears looking to fill the starting strong safety spot opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson, Chinn would be a great fit paired with one of the NFL’s best safeties.

In the fifth round, with the 164th overall pick, Hanson has Chicago taking Stanford tight end Colby Parkinson, which addresses the Bears’ need at a position of need without targeting one too early in the NFL Draft. Parkinson serves as an extra receiver out on the field, and at 6-foot-7, he’d be a big target for Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles, especially in the red zone.

The Bears currently have seven draft picks, but they only have two selections in the first four rounds. The Bears have two second-round picks, as well as one pick in the fifth round and two picks both in the sixth and seventh rounds.

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