Following a dismal 5-11 season, which saw one the worst defences in team and league history, a QB controversy which had Jimmy Clausen overtaking Jay Cutler for the starting job, and publicly known veteran unrest within the locker room, Bears fans everywhere were hungry for change, and change is exactly what they got. With names like Mel Tucker, Phil Emery and Marc Trestman being replaced by the likes of John Fox, Vic Fangio and Ryan Pace, the Bears front office has made positive changes towards restoring the Bears to the storied franchise of old.
With the train wreck of last season both on field and off field, the rookie class of 2014-15 came into a tough situation and may have not had a chance to produce as they should have. The main factor against this rookie class was the state of the defence they walked into. With so much change coming into this season, it is important to take time to highlight the now sophomore class of the Bears, who will have a chance this season, to make their impact.
Over the next week we will take time to highlight some key rookies who could thrive under this revamped Chicago Bears staff.
Sophomore Series
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech , 1st Round 14th Overall in 2014
2014 Season Stats: 16GP 51 TKl 13 AST 10 PDfl 3 FF 4 INT 81 Yds
Rookie Season Recap
Going into the 2014 draft, IT was well known the Bears needed to address their defensive woes, especially the position groups which were in need of a youthful injection, which is why there was so much excitement when the Bears selected Kyle Fuller to begin the rebuild of their aging secondary. Kyle Fuller shone brightest early in the season (much like the rest of the team before their collapse) most notable was his role in the Bears electrifying 28-20 win over the 49ers on Sunday Night Football. Fuller embraced the Sunday night lights and picked off 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick twice in the fourth quarter, becoming the first Bears rookie with a two pick game since Chris Harris in 2005, and securing the victory for the Bears. Fuller went on to snag 2 more Int's, along with 3 FF's giving Fuller a total of 7 turnovers and quietly, a solid rookie campaign on a terrible defensive unit. Injuries to both Charles Tillman, and Tim Jennings during the season the rookie DB was forced into a more pivotal role than most fans expected him to have, which may have caused deflated numbers, but allowed for invaluable experiences i.e. covering Calvin Johnson Jr. of the Lions which is a task that normally fell to Peanut Tillman.
Sophomore Season Outlook
The Bears have a very different looking secondary coming in to 2016, which is definitely a good thing. The additions of Alan Ball and the (underrated) signing of veteran CB Tracy Porter, there will be some healthy competition at the CB position. To begin the season, expect Fuller to sit #2 on the depth chart behind Veteran Tim Jennings, however, fully expect Fuller to draw from his athleticism and experience from the expanded role in 2014-15, and overtake Jennings for top spot on the depth chart by the end of the season. Considering how the defence ran last season, and his ability to manage 7 turnovers, Fuller should finish the season with 12 or more turnovers on a competent Vic Fangio non Mel Tucker run defence.
Closing Outlook
With so much stacked against him in his rookie season; historically awful defence, incompetent coordinator, locker room drama and being thrown into the fire, Kyle Fuller impressed in his rookie year and should excel in Fangio's new defense. He will remind Bears fans why he was a 1st round pick in 2015. Can he follow in the footsteps of Charles Tillman and become the rock that this Bears secondary needs for years to come?
Next Up: DT Ego Ferguson
References;
Picture sourced from:http://sportsmockery.com/2015/07/kyle-fuller-shares-lots-in-common-with-all-pro-earl-thomas/
