Chicago Bears 2022 NFL Draft: Weatherford a Good Under the Radar Pick

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Sterling Weatherly is an under-the-radar pick who would fit in well with the Chicago Bears.

As we inch closer to the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears look to tighten their big board. General manager Ryan Poles is finalizing his plans for the draft. It is his first one running one and he wants to take a good first step.

There are many holes on this roster. A number of the units struggled in 2021, and a number of players left via free agency. Poles and the Bears have their work cut out for them.

One area of concern is at safety. The Bears have Eddie Jackson at free safety. The former All-Pro struggled to maintain the hot start to his career since the Bears let his running mate, Adrian Amos, bolt for the hated Green Bay Packers.

Amos and Jackson were a great combination. Amos allowed Jackson to roam and make the big plays. Since the Bears let him go, they signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Tashaun Gipson, but the chemistry hasn’t been the same.

The Bears could partner Jackson with former Miami (OH) safety Sterling Weatherford. Jackson and Weatherford could have that same chemistry Jackson had with Amos. Additionally, Weatherford would give the defense some added versatility.

Weatherford is a big-bodied safety. He measures 6-foot-4 and weighs 224 pounds. That size is great and enables Weatherford to take on tight ends.

Additionally, Weatherford has the athleticism to come in at linebacker on sub-packages. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams should have a field day moving Weatherford around.

Around FPC

NFL RUMORS: NFL Rumors: Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys, Stephon Gilmore

NFL NEWS: Bengals Offseason: 5 Available Free Agents that Could Make an Impact

NHL: NHL Power Rankings: Panthers Rise To The Top, Toronto Gaining Momentum

NFL DRAFT: 2022 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Tyreke Smith

NFL MOCK DRAFT: FPC 2022 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Getting Defensive Rather Early

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 36: Deshaun Watson Traded To The Cleveland Browns

Weatherford is a Poles type of player

One of the things that Poles emphasized in what he wanted to do with the roster was to add toughness. He didn’t like how soft the team was so he wants to add players with high motors who will take it to the opposition. He wants opposing teams to know that when they play the Chicago Bears they are in for a long day.

Weatherford is that type of player. He runs around the field with high energy. Additionally, he loves to hit. Boy, does he love to hit. He is an excellent tackler and he lowers the boom on ball carriers. His technique is exquisite. He doesn’t just try to knock down the ball carrier, he tries to go through him. Dare I say he conjures up memories of another hard-hitting safety, Gary Fencik. He’ll be a special teams favorite with how fast he gets down the field and how hard he hits.

Weatherford improved his stock at the NFL Combine. He recorded a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, a 6.93 three-cone time, and a 36-inch vertical. There are safeties who are under 6 feet tall who would love numbers like those.

In addition to playing the box, Weatherford is good at coverage. He had four interceptions and 19 pass deflections throughout his career. Then there are his 209 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

Weatherford embodies what Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus want in their players. He is tough and plays hard all game long. He adds versatility to the defense and does a good job of wearing down the opponents. His high motor and hard hits will quickly make him a fan favorite.