Chicago Bears: Defensive back targets in 2019 NFL free agency

Adrian Phillips, Safety – 27 years old

Adrian Phillips is just the kind of player you want on your team. He was an undrafted rookie who worked hard to make it to the then-San Diego Chargers’ practice squad. He kept on working hard until he finally made it to the 53-man roster.

After playing in 12 games over two seasons Phillips finally got into a regular rotation in 2016. He played and got better. In 2018, he had his best season, recording 94 tackles (four tackles for loss) and nine passes defended. He was rewarded for his great season by the NFL with a Pro Bowl appearance and ending up on the All-Pro First team.

Phillips did whatever he could to get to where he is now. In 2018 he not only played free safety he also played strong safety and linebacker. Having to play wherever he was needed just to make the team made Phillips a valuable commodity. His versatility would be invaluable in Chicago.

Phillips shows an incredible football IQ. Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who worked with players such as Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Derrick Brooks, praised Phillips’ intelligence, per ESPN:

"First of all, he’s extremely intelligent. He can play strong safety, free safety, dime [linebacker] and nickel [linebacker] for us, and we’d feel extremely comfortable if he was in any of those positions. So that intelligence, he’s got a football IQ that is, to say compare him to anybody, he’s just one of the most elite guys in that area that I’ve ever been around."

Phillips will be 27 when the season begins. He’ll be hitting his prime and with such a great work ethic he’s sure to become an elite player.