Brock Vereen NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Chicago Bears S

Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota (HT: 5’11⅝”; WT: 206 lbs)

Chicago Bears (Bears trade 156th pick and 2015 fifth-round pick to Broncos for 131st and 246th picks)

Fourth Round: 131st Pick

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
5115	206	30"	8 1/4"

40-yard dash	10-yd split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.47	N/A	34"	9'8"	6.90	4.07

Positives

• Good size and frame, his height and weight align with NFL averages for starting safeties.
• Gained valuable experience by lining up as a strong safety, boundary and slot cornerback throughout his career at Minnesota. That versatility will serve him well in the NFL, as he demonstrated enough ability at every position to fill a hole if needed.
• Good speed over longer distances, both in-game and on the track as well, where he posted a great 40-yard dash time of 4.47 at the NFL Combine.
• His speed gives him better than average range while in deep zone coverage, adding more value and versatility.
• At his best while playing as a traditional, in the box strong safety. He attacks the line of scrimmage with aggression, and loves sticking his nose into contact.
• Fights through blocks effectively using strong hands and great effort. His on-field work ethic is a great asset, especially in the run game.

Negatives

• Despite having good speed for a safety, he isn’t an overly explosive athlete. His short area burst is well below average, as he cannot close on the ball as it reaches the receiver. If he isn’t in position before the ball is thrown, he struggles to overcome the poor coverage.
• Although he started 12 games as a cornerback in his sophomore season, he isn’t natural while in man coverage. He focuses solely on the receiver instead of turning his head and locating the football. This leads to missed opportunities for turnovers and defensed passes. Projecting forward, Vereen will have to get better at running with the receiver while watching the quarterback.
• Limited hip fluidity causes him to struggle when changing directions. He’s vulnerable against good route-runners and better athletes, which he will routinely face at the NFL level.
• His technique and overall football IQ needs to improve because too often he will take poor angles when attacking the line of scrimmage. As a safety he needs to prevent big plays, and he often left big running lanes because he over-pursued the play.
• Will resort to holding when in coverage if he feels beaten. Due to his discomfort in coverage, keeping him near the line of scrimmage or in a set zone could be his best fit.

Year	Team	Tackles	PD	INT
2010	Minnesota	10	0	0
2011	Minnesota	67	8	1
2012	Minnesota	64	10	1
2013	Minnesota	59	6	1

Personal Notes

• Brother of New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen.
• Ranked the number 66 cornerback as a high school recruit.
• Communication studies major.
• Twitter handle is @BrockVereen21

Ratings Chart

Graph made by http://nces.ed.gov

Overall

Brock Vereen is a versatile player with some upside due to his size and speed combination, but he has to improve his technique to overcome the rest of his physical profile. If he can land with a team with a conservative role for him to play, he can become a productive backup and spot starter.

Draft Projection: Fourth to fifth round