With the Bears training camp finally underway, I’m finishing up my breakdowns of the Bears depth chart at every position. I’ll give a high-level overview of each position, highlight potential battles for both starting roles and roster spots and point out a few players to watch.
I’ve already covered the depth chart at a few positions:
- Quarterback
- Nose Tackle
- Defensive End
- Running Back
- Inside Linebacker
- Tight End
- Outside Linebacker
- Offensive Tackle
- Guard
- Center
Today I will be covering the Bears depth chart at cornerback. It’s a key position for the Bears defense this year and could be the difference in another mediocre season or the Bears making a leap into the elite class of NFL defenses. It seems like a reach to even consider the Bears and elite in the same sentence, but they have significantly upgraded their front seven and if the defensive backs can improve, then the Bears have a shot to be a difference-making group on defense.
The Bears don’t have any household names at corner, but got a borderline Pro Bowl season out of Tracy Porter last year, have a recent top-15 pick in Kyle Fuller, a surprising 2nd-year slot corner in Bryce Callahan, a veteran slot in Brandon Boykin, an intriguing 6’2 rookie with the arm length of an offensive tackle, and a potential sleeper in Jacoby Glenn. There is plenty of talent at the position.
The Bears also added some legitimate talent by signing undrafted free agents Kevin Peterson and Taveze Calhoun. Of course, Sherick McManis is still around if the Bears want to make the mistake of letting him on the field at corner again.
Depth Chart: Cornerback
Overview:
If the Bears corners are going to be a top unit this year, then 2014 1st round pick Kyle Fuller will have to step up and veteran Tracy Poter will have to stay healthy for the second year in a row, which he hasn’t been able to do for a long time.
The Bears actually have some depth at the slot for the first time in awhile with last year’s breakout slot corner Bryce Callahan competing with recently signed Bradon Boykin for the starting slot position. They should combine to make the Bears dime group much more formidable.
Veteran corner / special teams ace Sherick McManis is still around but if he is playing any meaningful snaps, then that’s a bad sign. The Bears actually have some young talent at corner this year with last year’s UDFAs Jacoby Glenn and Da’Vante Bausby poised to make a leap into the rotation. This year’s draft yielded 6’2 Deiondre Hall in the 4th round and underrated UDFAs Kevin Peterson and Tavese Calhoun as possible contributors.
If some of the young corners can develop it would give the Bears legitimate depth at cornerback which they haven’t had in a few seasons. The top four are pretty much set, but most teams carry at least six corners so there is room for some of the young players to step up and make an impact this season.
Next: Position Battles (Starters)