| Today is
2007 Bears Camp Dates
      |
August 15, 2007 Bears position preview: Cornerbacks
CORNERBACKS Charles Tillman Height: 6-1 Weight: 196 College: Louisiana-Lafayette Years of Experience: 5 Tillman secured No. 1 cornerback money in the offseason by signing a long-term deal with the team. Now, Tillman must demonstrate he's worthy of that show of faith. Tillman has the size and strength to grapple with the league's top receivers but sometimes fails to deliver on that promise on an every-down basis. Tillman tied a career high with five interceptions and tied for 10th in the league in that category. He also led the secondary with 88 tackles. He still has some room to grow, especially in man coverage.
Nathan Vasher Height: 5-10 Weight: 180 College: Texas Years of Experience: 4 Vasher has paid big dividends for a fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft; he's overcome questions about his size and become a reliable partner for Tillman in the cornerback mix. Vasher also signed a long-term deal in the offseason, which ensures the Bears will be set at the position for at least the next few years. Vasher didn't duplicate his eight interception, Pro Bowl year of 2005 last season. However, he did settle in and his 2005 season probably deterred opposing offenses from trying to pick on him.
Ricky Manning Jr. Height: 5-9 Weight: 188 College: UCLA Years of Experience: 5 Manning might have been slightly overpaid for a player that has evolved into a nickelback and has never really threatened for a starting spot. But Manning doesn't really do anything poorly and he was wise to capitalize at the right time. Manning still is living off the pedigree he established during Carolina's 2003 march to the Super Bowl. Manning had four playoff interceptions, the second-most in NFL history. At 5-9, Manning isn't going to muscle up on most receivers, but does have plus athleticism that allows him to make more plays than you might think.
Trumaine McBride Height: 5-9 Weight: 185 College: Mississippi Years of Experience: Rookie McBride is a player the Bears are giving a shot to prove he belongs. McBride is undersized and doesn't have top-shelf speed. McBride also hasn't shown a knack for making big plays as he has 47 collegiate starts under his belt and just four interceptions to his credit. However, he does have a few positives. He has a good feel for reading routes and doesn't back down from physical contact despite his lack of size.
Corey Graham Height: 6-0 Weight: 195 College: New Hampshire Years of Experience: Rookie The Bears are mining the lower levels of college football with this fifth-round choice hoping to find gold. Like Tillman, Graham has a bigger body frame than most corners but doesn't lose a lot of quickness due to the added size. But it might take some time with Graham and his technique has been a little rough at times. Graham likely needs some time to adjust to what will be expected of him at the NFL level.
Tim Mixon Height: 5-9 Weight: 184 College: California Years of Experience: Rookie Mixon originally intended to try to apply for a sixth year of eligibility after missing the entire 2006 season with a right anterior cruciate ligament injury but elected to pursue the NFL. Mixon might not be fully recovered from the injury, but if he is, he could be of value. He had a solid season in 2005 and showed off some special teams skills including a 79-yard punt return for a score against Illinois.
Greg Fassitt Height: 5-11 Weight: 186 College: Grambling Years of Experience: Rookie Fassitt was a productive player at Grambling recording 110 tackles and seven interceptions in 32 games at cornerback. But he will likely need an awful lot of time to adapt to the NFL level of speed and skill. Fassitt does play bigger than his listed height and doesn't hesitate to try to establish himself as a physical corner. Regardless, Fassitt faces an uphill climb in trying to make the team unless he establishes himself as a special teams dynamo. |
Check out the Weather!! | |||||||||
