Ranking Chicago Bears defensive players

5. Bryce Callahan

This is probably where some controversy can be stirred. At the same time, many would be surprised to know that Callahan is fifth on the team in snaps played, seeing the field about 85% of the time. In today’s NFL, having a nickel cornerback is one of the most underrated pieces in football.

Teams are not afraid to attack the middle of the field like the old days. Unlike boundary corners, slot corners do not get the benefit of the sidelines and see countless pick plays to get them set up on running backs and tight ends. It is a tough job. Bryce Callahan is one of the best in the NFL.

Bryce Callahan has two interceptions, two sacks, four tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. Callahan has as many many hits and sacks as Danny Trevathan.

Against the pass he has only been targeted 37 times, a testament to his coverage considering he has played more snaps than Amukamara. On those limited targets, he has given up 7.9 yards per target and a 73 passer rating.

The only area he has struggled has been curl routes, where quarterbacks are 4-6 for 64 yards targeting him there.

Pro Football Focus has him ranked ninth overall amongst cornerbacks. When he is on the field, the Bears have a 38% success rate against the run and a 49% success rate against the pass. Without him, they have a 44% success rate allowed on the ground and a 54% success rate allowed through the air.

No matter how you look at it, Bryce Callahan is impacting the game in a significant way.