Hoge's Bears Big Board: No. 20 CB Bradley Roby
By Adam Hoge-
(CBS) — A look at the top 20 NFL Draft prospects that could be on the Bears' radar, based on projected availability, position of need and player skill:
CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State
Age: 21
Height: 5-11
Weight: 194
Hand: 10 1/4
Arm: 31 1/2
College Career: The three-year starter declared early for the draft after spending four years at Ohio State (redshirted in 2010). Had eight interceptions in his career and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Recorded a total of five touchdowns between defense and special teams. Also blocked two punts. Second-team All-American in 2012. First-team All-Big Ten in 2012 and 2013.
Strengths: Has elite speed and athleticism to succeed at the next level. Quickness and change of direction validate sub-4.4 straight-line speed. Can turn hips and run with wide receivers. Uses hands well. Very good against the run. Willing and able tackler who does not shy away from contact. Durable, despite physical style of play.
Weaknesses: Slightly undersized. Lacks the strength necessary to jam bigger wide receivers. Guesses at times on inside/outside leverage. Despite possessing good footwork and agility, Roby struggled to stay with Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, one of the better route runners in this year's draft. Limited experience in press coverage and allows underneath completions too often when playing off-man. Arrested after a bar fight last July and was suspended a game. Was ejected for "targeting" against Iowa.
Bears Outlook: The concern here is that Roby compares more to Tim Jennings and the Bears are in need of someone who can replace Charles Tillman in a year. Roby has all the physical tools to improve his technique with good coaching, but he needs to get a lot stronger to jam NFL wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. The Bears will likely play more press-man coverage going forward and they need to be sure Roby can develop those skills if they are going to draft him. Roby is not worth a first round draft pick so he would have to slip in the second round for the Bears to take him 51st overall.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
