The Chicago Bears still must draft a cornerback despite offseason moves
Since we addressed cornerback already, let’s take a look at that position first. As previously stated, the Bears added Trufant and brought back Burns and Joseph. Trufant is the front-runner to start opposite Jaylon Johnson this season now that Kyle Fuller is gone. The problem with Trufant is that he has had some serious health issues over the last couple of years.
As an insurance policy, the Bears also brought back Artie Burns. Burns was actually slotted in as the starter opposite Fuller in 2020, but an offseason ACL injury cost him the chance to fend off rookie Jaylon Johnson. Johnson played well for a rookie corner but suffered yet another shoulder injury. The hope now is that this injury is not going to derail his NFL career as he has had multiple shoulder injuries now throughout college and his first year in the league.
Michael Joseph is an undrafted free agent who has bounced around from the Bears practice squad, active roster and even injured reserve. However, he has yet to see any game action.
The top cornerbacks currently on the team in my order of opinion are:
- Jaylon Johnson (CB1)
- Desmond Trufant (CB2)
- Kindle Vildor (will likely be the slot corner)
- Artie Burns (Main outside backup CB)
- Duke Shelley (main backup slot corner)
The rest will either not make the team, will be in a reserve or special teams role, or will find themselves on the practice squad. The thing is, based on the roster last season, the team is not much different heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. This is why we should not be shocked if Ryan Pace selects a corner within the first three picks.