Chicago Bears 2012 Draft: WR Alshon Jeffery and S Brandon Hardin Add Potential
Published by Jake Perper on April 28, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
In Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina, the Bears added a big playmaker in the second round. In third round, they selected safety Brandon Hardin from Oregon State.
Jeffery was ranked among the top three receivers in the draft by the Bears and was the highest-rated player on GM Phil Emery’s board when he was selected with the 45th pick. To acquire that pick, the Bears sent their second- and fifth-round picks, No. 50 and 150, to the Rams.
“We feel that Alshon has the best hands in the draft,” Emery said (via ChicagoBears.com). “We feel that he is the best at adjusting to the ball. We feel he is the best sideline and end-zone catcher in the draft. He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands. He’s a big man. He’s strong. He’s tough. He doesn’t go down without a fight.”
In three seasons at South Carolina, Jeffery appeared in 40 games, making 183 catches for 3,042 yards and 23 touchdowns. At his pro day, he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash.
At 6’3″, 216 pounds, Jeffery now pairs with 6’4″ Brandon Marshall to help form a dynamic wide-receiving corps that also includes Earl Bennett and Devin Hester.
Considering Jeffery’s questionable work ethic and dip in production this past season (49 receptions, 762 yards and eight touchdowns), many think the pick is risky. But considering Jeffery’s vast potential, the move makes sense. He will wear jersey No. 17 with the Bears.
Hardin, the Bears’ third-round pick, is a whole different creature. He is similar to Chris Conte of Cal, last year’s third-round pick. At Oregon State, Hardin was credited with 105 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery. He spent all 38 of those games at cornerback.
He sat out last season with a broken shoulder, but the Bears were high on his abilities as a safety.
Hardin is 6’3″, 222 pounds and ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. Emery envisions him being used as a strong safety in the Bears’ defensive scheme.
Switching from cornerback to safety can tend to be a tough transition, but Conte did a solid job doing just that last season despite a shortened offseason.
The Bears have drafted for need in the first three rounds, adding a defensive end, wide receiver and safety. Emery has added some serious potential to this veteran Bears squad.
With three picks remaining (in the fourth, sixth and seventh rounds), look for the Bears to add an offensive tackle, defensive tackle and possibly a tight end or cornerback.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up-to-the-minute news about the Bears.
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