The Chicago Bears finished in last place in the NFC North under first-year head coach John Fox and will look to improve their roster this offseason through both free agency and the 2016 NFL Draft. The Bears defense struggled during the 2015 season and gave up the 20th most points in the league.
Chicago sits with the 11th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and many analysts project them to select a defensive player in the first round. One player Bears fans should pay attention to in the draft is Houston cornerback William Jackson III. While Jackson may not be a first round selection, the talented corner is drawing interest from the Bears and could be a potential target in the draft, according to Walter Football.
The 6-foot, 185-pound corner led the nation in passes defended this pass season and recorded five interceptions his senior year. Jackson has drawn a comparison with Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines, and he has great instincts on the field adjusting to opponents routes.
Some are concerned with Jackson's ability to play in press coverage, as he isn't as physical with big receivers and may need a year or two to adjust to the league before becoming a full-time starter. Walter Football currently projects Jackson as the sixth best corner in the draft, and don't be surprised if the Bears look to target him with a second or third-round draft pick.
ESPN's Todd McShay has projected the Bears to take UCLA linebacker Myles Jack in the first round of the draft, and Chicago could look to load up on the defensive side of the ball in the 2016 draft as they look to fill holes on their defense.
