Bears Blitz

2010 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Select Major Wright with 75th Pick

Published by Jake Perper on April 23, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears got what I consider their biggest need at the No. 75 selection in the third round with FS Major Wright from the University of Florida. Wright is the right choice at No. 75 considering how many cornerbacks and safeties were picked in front of him.

These four players where picked in front of Wright in the third round:

South Florida cornerback Jerome Murphy —St. Louis, No. 65
Iowa cornerback Amari Spievey —Detroit, No. 66
Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis —Tampa, No. 67
Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett —Packers, No. 71

Wright, 5’11”, 206, has decent speed. He ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He was part of a three safety rotation at Florida. Wright appeared in all 41 games in his three year career, with 33 career starts at free safety, collecting 165 tackles, eight interceptions, 10 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock called Wright, who entered the draft following his junior season, “an undervalued safety who is physical, makes plays, and may be a better pro than collegian.”

NFL.com analyzes his strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what they had to say:

Positives: “Wright is a nice combination of size and strength at the safety position. Plays with toughness. Is a productive, smart player. Very instinctive coming up quickly in run support. Has been a durable performer. Is a good tackler who can come up and really lay the wood.”

Negatives: “He only has average coverage skills, shouldn’t be relied upon to often in man, and may struggle to contain receivers over the middle or athletic tight ends. Doesn’t have the agility.”

Wright figures to challenge Josh Bullocks and Craig Steltz for the free safety spot. He might actually win the starting job considering he played for the Gators where the players are more ready for the NFL then other schools.

Wright is no Nate Allen (USF) or no Taylor Mays (USC), but he may be the player the Bears desperately needed. His play sounds a lot like Mike Brown and they are almost the same height and weight. Mike Brown is 5’10” 207 lbs while Major Wright is 5’11” 206 lbs. He is a more natural free safety then Craig Steltz or Josh Bullocks so that could give him the advantage.

all quotes from nfl.com

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.

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