Chicago Bears: Grading the defensive position groups
By Cody Young
The Bears have some questions at the corner position with a mix of young and older talent
Cornerbacks: Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, Buster Skrine, Duke Shelley, Kindle Vildor
Grade: B-
This was actually a bit of a tougher position for me to grade due to what I feel are question marks at the position. Starting with Shelley and Vildor. Kindle Vildor is one of two rookies in this Bears CB room, and as of now is at the bottom of the depth chart. The Bears took Vildor in the fifth round of this past draft.
He went to Georgia Southern where he started all 11 games last year and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors. Duke Shelley is coming into his second year where he was a reserve in nine games last season.
Moving onto the starters, Buster Skrine is a 10-year vet who is one of the better slot corners in the league, while also being able to play on the outside if needed. The Chicago Bears brought him in last year to replace their former slot standout, Bryce Callahan.
Jaylon Johnson was drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft. Jaylon was a little more underrated compared to some of his draft counterparts, but some scouts saw Johnson as someone who can be sneaky good.
Jaylon didn’t even practice with the team until just recently, and many thought he would for sure not be the number two CB. I personally think Johnson has the potential to be the best corner on this Bears roster if given time.
While Jaylon may be the CB of the future, Kyle Fuller is easily the best corner on this team. The seven-year veteran has really come into his own the last couple years, making two straight Pro Bowls. Something that doesn’t always get talked about with Fuller is how much of an ironman he is.
In his seven-year career, he has yet to miss a game and has only not started two games in his rookie year. Fuller is always someone who can line up against the opposing team’s best WR and make plays. He’s always good for a few interceptions a year, including a career-high seven, in 2018.