Safety has been a position of concern for the Chicago Bears in recent years. Really, they have not had solid play from the safety position since Mike Brown made the Pro-Bowl back in 2005. Since then the Bears have drafted nine safeties: Danieal Manning, Kevin Payne, Craig Steltz, Al Afalava, Major Wright, Chris Conte, Brandon Hardin and Brock Vereen. Adrian Amos becomes the newest safety to join this list.
Amos was selected in the fifth round, number 142 overall, out of Penn State. He started all 37 games his final three years in college, which contributed to his great football intelligence. The 6’0” 218 lbs safety is still extremely athletic and has good range. He was the top performer at the combine this year in the 20 yard and 60 yard shuttle.
Amos impressed coaches with his play on the 2nd team defense in their first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Since then he has been practicing with the starters alongside Antrel Rolle. Rolle was also added in free agency to help solidify the safety position with some consistency. Other players competing for a starting spot against Amos include second year pro Brock Vereen and veteran Ryan Mundy.
Head coach John Fox has faith in Amos saying, “We thought enough of Amos to draft him. I think he’s had opportunities just like all the other safeties to play and be evaluated and make plays. He’s earned where he is. I don’t know if that’s the way it’ll stay. It’s not where you start the race, it’s where you finish it. He’s earned that and we’ll go from there.”
Amos is getting known by teammates also. In a team drill on Sunday, he took tight end Dante Rosario down in a shoving match. Wide receiver Eddie Royal even commented on Amos: “He looks like a guy that will get in there and compete and a guy who wants to play. He’s a great addition to our team. I think he’s going to make a lot of plays for us.”
Amos will be in for a real test this Saturday when the Bears travel to Indianapolis to take on the Andrew Luck and the offensive attack of the Colts.
