Al Afalava SELECTED BY: Bears Round 6 (17)

SI Grade 3.29 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of all-Conference honors in the past. Senior totals included 36/2/8 after 64 tackles as a junior.

POSITIVES: Big, strong safety best defending the run. Displays a burst of straight-line speed, plays faster than his forty time, and forceful on the blitz. Strong at the point, aggressively puts his shoulders into opponents, and brings ball carriers down on initial contact.

NEGATIVES: Struggles in man coverage and does not cover a lot of area in deep centerfield. Lacks the great plant and break to the throw.

ANALYSIS: Afalava has been a solid defender for Oregon State, and he could fit in at the next level as a zone or strong safety. He has a special teams mentality, which is how he must earn his wage in the NFL.

PROJECTION: Seventh Round/Free Agent