Three picks after drafting Miami safety Deon Bush, the Bears addressed their secondary again by choosing Northern Iowa cornerback Deiondre' Hall at No. 127 in the fourth round.
The 6-2, 199-pounder was a four-year contributor and three-year starter at Northern Iowa, compiling 242 tackles, 13 interceptions, 15 pass breakups and four forced fumbles.
Hall led the Missouri Valley Conference in interceptions each of the past two seasons with five in 2014 and six in 2015, earning the MVC Defensive Player of the Year Award as a senior. He also set a Northern Iowa career record with four interception return touchdowns.
"He's an extremely versatile player," said general manager Ryan Pace. "He can play corner, nickel and safety. He has rare length for the position, and I think that's important as well. He's also very tough and competitive when you watch him on tape."
Hall has drawn comparisons to former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman due to their height, long arms and ability to make plays on the ball.
With the 127th pick (4th round) in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Bears select Northern Iowa CB Deiondre' Hall.
"I've always loved Charles Tillman," Hall said. "I've always kind of tried to model my game after him, just being a ballhawk and getting that ball out. That was a key emphasis throughout my time at Northern Iowa."
Asked to identify his greatest strengths as a player, Hall said: "My competitiveness and my willingness to work. Those are two huge things for me, especially going to the next level. And my length. That's another huge thing."
Although Bush played at an FCS school, he certainly didn't look out of place when he lined up with and against some of the nation's top draft prospects at the Senior Bowl.
"I think I proved that I can definitely play the cornerback position and I can play a little nickel position as well, and that my competitiveness definitely shows through," Bush said. "It started out at the Senior Bowl, Day 1, a little rough. And then Day 2 I got back to my own game and then Day 3 I had my full swag."
At the start of his conference call with the Chicago media after being drafted by the Bears, Hall took a moment to compose himself.
"Emotions are running very high," he said. "I've been waiting all my life for this. I got the call and the reaction here at home is crazy. My family is all running around. I'm just thankful for the opportunity."
