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Chicago Bears Hall Of Fame game what to watch for: CBs

By Parker Hurley

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Rashard Fant #16 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with teammates Tegray Scales #8 and Jacob Robinson #91 after defending a pass in the third quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Wisconsin defeated Indiana 45-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Rashard Fant #16 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with teammates Tegray Scales #8 and Jacob Robinson #91 after defending a pass in the third quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Wisconsin defeated Indiana 45-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Who are some cornerbacks who could shine in the Hall of Fame game?

With a fifth preseason compared to the usual four, Matt Nagy has already made note that the starters will not be needing to see the field on Thursday. While this deflates the fun for the casual fan, hardcore Chicago Bears fans will be looking hard into the deep crevices of the roster.

So while Prince Amukamara, and Kyle Fuller, are out and even Bryce Callahan is unlikely to play, there will be some things to watch.

Cre’Von LeBlanc, Sherrick McManis, Marcus Cooper

These are three veterans that we are unlikely to see much of either. LeBlanc may start, but his roster spot is pretty secure as of right now, so he may not see the field beyond the first quarter. McManis has been banged up all week but did return to practice. Still, with his veteran status, it is tough to see him playing. The same can be said with Cooper, who was a starter on the Bears at this point last season.

Kevin Toliver

The name to watch is Kevin Toliver. Toliver has been injured recently but returned to practice Tuesday, potentially opening the door for snaps in preseason game one. He is a player who needs every repetition and chance that he can to prove that he is roster worthy.

Toliver is a UDFA from LSU with some pedigree behind his name. Could this be the start of his momentum towards the roster, or is it the beginning of him showing why the Bears cannot trust him?

Doran Grant

What is interesting to note is that between Cooper and Toliver on the roster currently sits Doran Grant. Grant has been around the NFL and did not have the upside of Toliver, but with the UDFA status of Toliver and Grant being a veteran he may be in line for snaps over Toliver. Keep an eye on if he can hold off the UDFA rookie.

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Rashard Fant

If LeBlanc heads to the sidelines early, the Chicago Bears should use this as a chance to take a good hard look at another UDFA in Rashard Fant. Like Toliver, there is some buzz around Fant coming out of school.

Fant is extremely undersized but plays physical and profiles to the slot. The team found a gem in Bryce Callahan as a UDFA, is Fant cut in the same mold? This should be a golden chance for him to establish himself.

John Franklin

Franklin is another player who is going to benefit extremely from these extra snaps. Franklin is known as the “Last Chance U” quarterback turned cornerback. He is extremely raw and is going to need all of the snaps he can get. It will be against weak competition in the second half, but this will be extremely valuable for Franklin.

Michael Joseph

Joseph has been a player who has been talked up a bit during camp. Now, he has a chance to show it on the field. Joseph is a smart player with great ball skills and understanding. However, he is rather unathletic, which is why he made his name at Dubuque. Joseph should be a good practice player; now we have to see if he can be a game player.

Jonathan Mincy

Mincy is a former CFL cornerback. His profile figures into the slot, but it is interesting to note that the Chicago Bears depth chart currently has him at safety. Does he play both spots, or only one? Which one?

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