The Bears continued to bolster their defense in the fourth round of the draft by choosing Miami safety Deon Bush with the 124th overall selection.
The 6-foot, 199-pounder appeared in 45 games with 32 starts over four seasons at Miami, recording 168 tackles, four interceptions, 13 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
"He's a good athlete, also a very physical player," said general manager Ryan Pace. "The fact that he throws his body around and plays with toughness, plays with instincts and plays fast on the field, he's another guy we were fired up to get."
Last season Bush started 12 of 13 games played and registered 50 tackles, one interception, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
"I feel like I have range and I can also be a tough player, try to set the tempo for my team and make plays on the ball and just be a playmaker," Bush said during a conference call with the Chicago media. "I think my playmaking is my best attribute as a player."
Bush's willingness to hit figures to endear him to Bears fans.
With the 124th pick (4th round) in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Bears select University of Miami S Deon Bush.
"I take big pride in being a big hitter," said the Miami native. "That's how I grew up playing the game. I've been trying to be the best hitter on my team since my [youth football] days. That's how I like to play the game of football. I like to play tough. I like to put fear in my opponents. That's a big thing in my game."
Following Bears safety Antrel Rolle to the University of Miami, Bush has been compared to the 12-year NFL veteran and is eager to reconnect with him in Chicago.
"I grew up watching Antrel Rolle and while he was down here in Miami I was actually working out with him, so he's kind of like a mentor to me," Bush said. "He's been a vet in the league for a long time and I want to be in the league for a long time, so there's a lot to learn from him,
"It's just great having another player from 'The U.' We're like a family. It's like a brotherhood and it'll be great playing with him."
Bush could make his greatest impact as a Bears rookie on special teams.
"I definitely want to embrace special teams," he said. "I played special teams my whole [college] career. I was on all four units. I basically know how to play all the special teams and I'm ready to contribute to help the Bears any type of way."
