Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
After several years of inconsistent play at the safety position, the Chicago Bears are still in search of impact players on the backend of the secondary. In the 2015 NFL Draft, the Bears selected safety Adrian Amos out of Penn State in the fifth round (142nd overall). This pick was acquired from the New York Jets via the trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The Bears have made attempts in recent history to improve both safety spots, only to have below average results at best. Could Amos eventually cement a place in Chicago’s defense for the next few years?
Chicago severed ties with Chris Conte over the offseason and added 11-year veteran Antrel Rolle to the roster. As of right now, it looks like Rolle and Ryan Mundy, who played together while with the New York Giants, will be the two starting safeties for the Bears at the start of regular season. As for competition behind Rolle and Mundy, Amos will have to worry about Brock Vereen (Chicago’s fourth-round pick from last year), and Malcolm Bronson.
The one thing that Amos has to his advantage going into organized team activities and training camp is his versatility in the defensive secondary. Amos played both safety and cornerback at Penn State, and he has the size (six-foot, 218 pounds) to be a physical presence at either position. Although Amos will more than likely be used as a safety, he could fill in elsewhere if needed.
Safety was definitely a priority on Chicago’s list, and Amos could prove worthy of a fifth-round pick. With one more pick left in the draft, I don’t expect Amos to be the last defensive player selected by the Bears.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller.
