Toledo Alum Matt Eberflus Has Eyes For Rising CB From His Old School

Matt Eberflus hasn’t been shy about claiming his roots as a linebacker and then an assistant coach at the University of Toledo were what molded him into what he is today. He believes that the program tends to turn out his kind of football player: intelligent and gritty. Time has proven him correct in that regard, with names like Chester Taylor, Kareem Hunt, and Diontae Johnson all emerging from there.

So it shouldn’t surprise that Eberflus’ new team, the Chicago Bears, would have eyes on potential players who might come out of Toledo. According to draft insider Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, one name is gaining some traction. He is cornerback Samuel Womack. While undersized for the position, he developed a reputation for being around the football constantly.

Something that is certain to appeal to Eberflus even more.

“He’s a shorter corner (5’9″) with terrific ball skills and ran 4.37 seconds during Toledo’s Pro Day. His 32-inch arms somewhat offset his lack of vertical height.

Womack had an official top-30 visit with the Chiefs. He also privately worked out for the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers.”

Don't tell TOL CB Samuel Womack he's too small to play CB in the NFL. Tough on the edge and is able to win vs. bigger WR whether in man or zone. May be kept inside on Sundays, as he's willing and able to play vs. the run and knock the QB to the ground as a blitzer. #SnapScout22 pic.twitter.com/Sf5eAC4rIQ

— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) July 11, 2021

Size isn’t a big problem in the new Bears defense, provided a cornerback has good enough length and the speed to hang with receivers. Womack proved he has both traits. Yet it’s his ball skills that are impossible to ignore. In 2019 and 2021, neither of which was cut short by the pandemic, the cornerback had four interceptions, and 30 (!) passes defended. He got his hands on a lot of footballs across those 25 games.

Matt Eberflus places a premium on takeaways in his defense. So somebody like Womack would instantly appeal to him. The Toledo connection only makes the interest that much stronger. The Bears head coach has successfully developed late round picks and undrafted free agents in the past. Womack wouldn’t perturb him despite his lack of overall buzz. A player can play, or he can’t. Chicago may intend to find out with him.