Again, competency is a factor. However, the Chicago Bears do have some stability with Matt Nagy entering his third year. Although they are both on offense, two former Tennessee football players are currently with the franchise. Cordarrelle Patterson signed in 2019, and Tyler Bray signed with them back in 2018. Could they go to a third player from Rocky Top to build their roster?
Well, there’s even better news for Nigel Warrior, and that is Chuck Pagano entering his second year as defensive coordinator. Warrior would actually be a great fit for Pagano. Remember, as we said in our opening slide, Warrior was the only defensive back PFF gave high marks to for coverage and stopping the run. He can rush the passer, and Pagano loves blitzing safeties.
So in addition to former Vols being on the team and Pagano being a defensive coordinator who could maximize Warrior’s abilities, what about the needs? Well, the Bears pretty much need to fill every part of the secondary with the departures of Prince Amukamara and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Cornerback is their top need, but safety is right behind that, so Warrior should certainly get a look.
Since they don’t have a first-round NFL Draft pick, the Bears are even more likely to look at unheralded stars expected to be taken late in the draft or not taken at all. Warrior obviously fits that mold, as there’s no reason he’s not getting a more serious look already. That’s why they definitely belong on this list.