2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Javon Bullard

Strengths

• Athleticism and range
• Experience at CB and safety (man and zone)
• Fluid hips for man coverage
• Instincts and aggressiveness
• Football IQ
• Physical, not afraid to take on blocks in the run game
• Competitive toughness

Weaknesses

• Undersized
• Will he be able to stay healthy with his size and physical style?
• Losses man in scramble drills
• Average recovery speed when beat
• Ankle tackler at times
• Arrest on record

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Javon Bullard

The Chicago Bears have one clear starter at safety in Jaquan Brisker and an evident hole next to him after releasing Eddie Jackson. And while Brisker will be a starter, he hasn't entirely lived up to the hype of his second-round draft pedigree. The Bears could sign a veteran to start, but even if they do, they still need depth. And Bullard could also provide some insurance if Brisker doesn't take the next step as the Bears hope he will.

Bullard is a player Matt Eberflus will love. Despite being undersized for safety, he plays aggressively and isn't afraid to come downhill and get physical. On multiple occasions, I saw him take on the block of an offensive lineman in space and either make the tackle or force the runner inside where a teammate could clean up. As a tackler, Bullard usually shows excellent range and good wrap-up technique. There are some ankle tackles on tape, but that's more a result of him making a play from across the field.

Bullard shines most in coverage, where he flashes excellent man and zone instincts. His background as a corner shows with fluid hips to match receivers in man coverage. He also can be physical with tight ends, although bigger receivers can too easily box him out due to his lack of size. Some teams may prefer him as a slot CB for this reason, but he's just a guy you can line up all over the back end and let him make plays. 

Bullard's instincts and competitive toughness stand out as he's constantly around the ball. He does a great job of reading the quarterback's eyes and anticipating where the ball is going. He's always a step ahead, and it allows his already excellent athleticism to play up. Bullard can patrol the middle of the field but is at his best in two-deep looks where he can shut down half the field.

The Georgia product is projected for the second round, where the Bears currently don't possess a pick. But that could change with a Justin Fields trade or a trade down from No. 9 overall. Bullard is a well-rounded safety who will be an asset in any team's defensive backfield, and he should be high on the Bears board.

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