Bears Draft Cornerback Kyle Fuller In First Round
By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 9, 2014 4:00PM
As we pretty much guaranteed, the Bears addressed their defensive needs in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft Thursday night. The Bears drafted Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller with the 14th pick. Fuller, considered the most NFL ready corner in the draft, is likely to see significant playing time from the start. While Pro Bowlers Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings remain the likely starters, Fuller should assume the team's nickel back role while playing understudy to Tillman. Also expect to see him contribute on special teams, as Virgina Tech is known for it prowess there. Fuller has suggested he can play safety, which remains an area the Bears need to address, but GM Phil Emery said the team plans to keep Fuller at cornerback.
Fuller started all four years he played for the Hokies and recorded 173 tackles, deflected 32 passes and grabbed 6 interceptions. He effectively missed five games due to injury in 2013, yet was still named a Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp) and Coaches First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick.
The pick was somewhat of a surprise given the depth of cornerback talent in the draft and the more urgent need to address both safety and defensive tackle. While many expected the Bears to pick DT Aaron Donald, he came off the board one pick ahead of the Bears. That spot was also deemed perhaps too high to pick one of the top safeties. Calvin Pryor went 18th to the Jets while Ha Ha Nixon-Cox landed in Green Bay with the 21st pick. Two more safeties were also chosen in the first round, narrowing the talent available in later rounds. We're curious about whether the Bears tried to trade down a couple picks to land an additional selection or not.
Fuller will be formally introduced at Halas Hall Friday and this evening the Bears will add players in the second and third rounds, so expect the team to address the D-line and safety tonight. The remaining rounds take place on Saturday, so check back Monday for a full recap.