The Chicago Bears selected Penn State safety Adrian Amos in the fifth round today with the #142 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. Amos is the eighth Penn State player drafted by Chicago and is the first Nittany Lion selected by the Bears since guard Tyler Reed in the sixth round of the 2006 Draft.
Adrian Amos joins kicker Robbie Gould as former PSU players on the Bears roster.
“After graduating with his degree and now hearing his name called in the NFL Draft, I could not be happier for Adrian,” Penn State Head Coach James Franklin said in a prepared statement by the School Information Department.
“He has quick feet and great ball skills that will help him on the next level. Adrian is a versatile defensive back that has worked really hard and will be a great addition to the Bears’ secondary.”
Adrian Amos, like all safeties in this class, benefitted from this year being such an especially weak crop. Most safeties moved up the board due to this being a particularly weak class. The Bears also went Big Ten skill position one round earlier, nabbing Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford in the fourth round.
The Bears certainly have needs in the secondary; so this is a solid pick.
“Adrian Amos has great size for a corner,” Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach Bob Shoop said said in a prepared statement by the School Information Department.
“He’s got versatility. During his college career, he has started as a safety, corner, the nickel and the dime. He has great football IQ and the fact that he has played for four defensive coordinators in college means he has seen different looks to the game. Chicago is getting someone who Is going to work hard and be a special player for years to come.”
Amos was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection as a senior after recording 42 tackles (30 solo) and tying for the team lead with three interceptions. His play earned him a spot in the Senior Bowl. Now, what would really make things interesting is if the Bears went and got another PSU Nittany Lion in the NFL Draft next year. Adrian Amos could be reunited with Penn State signal caller Christian Hackenberg; if the Bears can finally move Jay Cutler next year.
The Bears tried to trade Cutler to Tennessee on draft night, but the Titans absolutely wanted no part of that.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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