Bears Keeping Close Tabs On Verone McKinley Ahead Of Draft
The Chicago Bears have had representatives at many pro days across the country, collecting every last bit of data possible before the draft. It was no exception for the big event at Oregon. All 32 teams were in attendance. No doubt most of them were there to watch freak pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux who remains a top 10 lock and potential #1 overall pick. So obviously, the Bears weren’t focused on him. Instead, they likely stuck close to one of Thibodeaux’s defensive teammates. Safety Verone McKinley.
While Thibodeaux was classified as the muscle of the Ducks’ defense last year, most agree that McKinley was the brains. His intelligence and leadership on the back end stood out constantly. He made up for what he lacked in size (5’11) and true speed with instincts, intensity, and an outstanding nose for the football. The safety had six interceptions in 2021 alone. Considering how takeaway-driven head coach Matt Eberflus is, it is little wonder the Bears would be interested in him.
All 32 teams at @oregonfootball pro-day for Kayvon Thibodeaux & Verone McKinley workouts, including big groups from Lions (7), Seahawks (7) & Giants (5). Smart teams also taking in-person opportunity to hit up new HC Dan Lanning about all the Top-50 talent he coached at Georgia. pic.twitter.com/Vb15zDcF0G
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 1, 2022
What a play by Verone McKinley. Running left, but dives in the air to get a hand on the ball and prevent the TD. Incredible body control pic.twitter.com/rxFvr3IxU8
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) October 23, 2021
Verone McKinley played keep away to recover the fumble!
What a heads up play ???? pic.twitter.com/QoN74PLPAL
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 21, 2020
This isn’t the first time they’ve been spotted watching him either.
The Bears had scouts present at the Oregon-Ohio State game last September. They were treated to an exceptional performance. Verone McKinley finished with six tackles, an interception, two passes defended, and a forced fumble. He forced the only turnover by either team all game, and it proved crucial in the Ducks’ 35-28 upset of the Buckeyes. The kid steps up in big situations and is always around the football. It isn’t a surprise Chicago’s new regime likes him and likely isn’t deterred by his size concerns.
Remember GM Ryan Poles watched Tyrann Mathieu (5’9) help push the Kansas City Chiefs to back-to-back Super Bowls. Khari Willis (5’11) was a really good safety in Eberflus’ Indianapolis Colts defense. If McKinley somehow drops to the 2nd round, it feels like a real possibility the Bears might draft him. Recent pro comparisons liken him to Cardinals Pro Bowler Budda Baker and Buccaneers unsung hero Jordan Whitehead.
Neither were 1st round picks. Also, don’t forget the team has extra inside information on the safety thanks to the presence of Thomas Graham Jr. The Bears cornerback played with McKinley for two years. They are well-informed on what he can do.