Zackary Bowman SELECTED BY: Chicago Bears Round 5(7)

SI Grade 3.50 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who started four games last season totaling 29/1/6. Played five games with the first team during the 2005 season and posted 27/2/14. Tore a ligament in his left knee prior to the 2006 season and was sidelined for the year. Tore a patellar tendon in his right knee during spring practice in 2007.

POSITIVES: Well-sized cornerback with terrific physical skills and a serious medical history. Fluid transitioning to run with opponents off the line, displays good footwork in all directions, and physical throughout the action. Shows a burst of closing and recovery speed, has a nice break to the ball, and gets vertical to defend the throw. Effectively reads the action when facing the play.

NEGATIVES: Loses positioning against opponents with his back to the ball and struggles locating the pass in the air. Does a lot of face-guarding.

ANALYSIS: Bowman is a physically gifted defensive back whose game and development have been slowed by injury. He showed flashes of ability when healthy and looked good in All-Star games prior to the draft. Medical exams on his knees will ultimately dictate his draft positioning.

PROJECTION: Late Fourth Round