When Kyle Fuller closes his eyes, it's easy for him to picture himself wearing the Bears jersey he posed with Friday during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall.
"When I think of the Chicago Bears, I think of their physical defense," the team's first-round draft pick told reporters. "And I feel like I fit it very well."
The Bears selected Fuller—the top-ranked cornerback on their draft board—with the 14th pick in the first round Thursday night. A productive four-year starter at Virginia Tech, the 6-foot, 190-pounder is a physical tackler who provides versatility in coverage and solid run support.
Fuller credits his three brothers with helping him develop the toughness he displayed at West Virginia. Vincent Fuller played seven NFL seasons with the Titans and Lions from 2005-11, Corey is a second-year receiver with the Lions and Kendall is a freshman linebacker at Virginia Tech.
Rookie CB Kyle Fuller visited Halas Hall Friday. See exclusive photos from his first day as a Chicago Bear.
Rookie CB Kyle Fuller enters the Chicago Bears locker room for the first time after being selected with the 14th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Rookie CB Kyle Fuller enters the Chicago Bears locker room for the first time after being selected with the 14th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Kyle Fuller meets with Bears General Manager Phil Emery in his office upon arriving at Halas Hall Friday.
Bears Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker greets rookie Kyle Fuller.
Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman greets rookie CB Kyle Fuller during his visit to Halas Hall Friday.
Fuller signs his first autographs as a Chicago Bear.
Fuller makes his way to the Halas Hall Media Room for his introductory press conference.
Head Coach Marc Trestman, rookie CB Kyle Fuller and General Manager Phil Emery pose for a photo opportunity to kick off Fuller's introductory press conference.
Fuller shakes hands with Bears General Manager Phil Emery.
Rookie Kyle Fuller addresses the media for the first time as a Chicago Bear.
The Media Room at Halas Hall.
Head Coach Marc Trestman, CB Kyle Fuller, GM Phil Emery.
"That comes from competing with them, the little league teams we played for, the guys we went up against growing up," Fuller said. "It definitely has a lot to do with the way we were brought up and how much of competitors we are."
The Bears feel that Fuller possesses the versatility to cover tight ends, slot receivers and outside receivers. After battling North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron in the ACC, the two will continue their rivalry in the NFC North after Ebron was selected by the Lions with the 10th pick in the draft.
"I feel like I'm a bigger corner, being able to match up against those bigger receivers and tight ends," Fuller said. "I feel like the competition I went up against in the ACC, like Eric Ebron, will prepare me for this level. I'll definitely be looking forward to going up against him."
Fuller shared some other interesting nuggets during his introductory press conference:
On his experience at Radio City Music Hall Thursday night waiting to be drafted: "It was my mother, my father and my three brothers in the green room with me. And I had four other friends sitting outside that support me. It's been a lot of fun. It was a great experience. I'm just glad to be a part of this organization now."
On what he learned from his two older brothers going through draft process: "The biggest thing I took from them was really just to enjoy it. Take it one day at a time and don't really think about where you're going to go. At the end of the day God is going to take care of everything. That happened for me, so I really enjoyed the whole process."
On how he has benefitted from being part of such an athletic family: "That's definitely helped out a lot. We've been in sports since we were six years old, playing basketball, track and football. So I definitely think it prepared me to get me to where I am now. Also competing with my brothers, growing up under them, seeing things they've done has helped me become the player I am today."
On whether he hopes to contribute on special teams: "I definitely plan on being a contributor on special teams. I took pride in that at Virginia Tech being under coach [Frank] Beamer. So I'm definitely willing to play special teams."
On playing in Chicago's cold weather: "I think I'll be fine. I don't consider Blacksburg or Baltimore warm weather. I'm sure Chicago might be a little colder. I'm not sure. But I think I brought nice weather today, so we'll see."
On his off-the-field interests: "I'm a pretty laidback guy. I grew up [with] sports. Not too long ago I picked up golf, so I really like playing golf. I think I'm a little bit better than average."
On new Bears teammates such as Jay Cutler, Tim Jennings, Nate Collins and Kyle Long reaching out to him to welcome him to the team: "It means a lot. It just shows a family atmosphere, which is pretty much what I've come from growing up. So it definitely brings a comfort level."
On graduating from Virginia Tech in December with a degree in finance: "I just wanted a good degree. I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I started off in business information technology and my brother kind of swung me away from that a little bit as far as what I'll be doing after football. I decided to go into finance [to] help me manage my money and make smart decisions."
