Brandon

Hardin

The Bears have drafted a safety every year since Lovie Smith took over as head coach. Hardin showcased the skill-set to play corner at 217 pounds with the Beavers before moving back inside to safety. An impressive size-speed prospect with the athleticism to hang with NFL tight ends, Hardin saw his draft stock drop due to a string of injuries including a broken hand, wrist surgery, and a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the 2011 season.

Hardin’s stock tumbled after he missed 2011 with a variety of injuries, but he boasts impressive speed to go with his 6-foot-3, 217-pound frame, and should give Wright a run for his money in camp. If Hardin wins the job, he’ll join 2011 third-round pick Chris Conte in forming an age-23 safety tandem for Chicago.

Hardin was on the ground for several minutes before being attended to by the Bears’ medical staff. The severity of the injury isn’t yet known, but this has the potential to impact his status for the regular season.

The Bears now have all six of their draft picks under contract. Hardin boasts impressive straight-line speed to go along with his imposing 6-foot-3, 217-pound frame, but missed all of his senior season with injury. If he’s healthy, however, he could push SS Major Wright for his starting job.

Young FS Chris Conte and SS Major Wright have shown promise, but Hardin wasn’t drafted to play special teams. A former college cornerback, Hardin goes 6-foot-3, 222 and is being projected internally as a free safety. Look for Conte and Wright to start this season, and Hardin to push for a first-team role in 2013.

The Bears had been mum on the third-round pick’s status since his injury in last Saturday’s preseason game. It’s a blow with FS Chris Conte questionable for Week 1, and explains the Bears’ interest in free agent S Charlie Peprah. A sturdy and strong 6-foot-3, 222, Hardin was athletic enough to play cornerback at Oregon State, but also struggled with injury. He’ll have a lot to prove next summer.

Hardin suffered the injury in the preseason and was carted off the field after being down for several minutes, but he’s ready for the start of OTAs. The No. 79 overall pick in last year’s draft should push for defensive snaps this season.

Early reports left out the “injured” part. Hardin broke his shoulder in Thursday’s preseason finale. Exposing Hardin to waivers is quite an admission of defeat for GM Phil Emery, and a vote of no confidence in Hardin’s health. Hardin missed his entire rookie year with a neck injury. An imposing 6-foot-3, 217-pounds with excellent speed, injuries also cost Hardin his entire senior year at Oregon State.

Hardin was the 79th overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Bears but hasn’t appeared in an NFL game due to injuries. Hardin missed his senior season at Oregon State after undergoing wrist surgery. He hurt his neck in the 2012 preseason and broke his shoulder last summer.

Hardin, the No. 79 overall pick in the 2012 draft, was waived/injured at final cuts after he broke his shoulder. He hasn’t played in a football game in three seasons. Hardin missed his entire senior year at Oregon State before sitting out his rookie season with a neck injury. He goes 6-foot-3, 217.