Podcast: Previewing the Chicago Bears cornerbacks
By Will DeWitt
Now that dates have been officially announced, it’s great to say that we are officially 21 days away from the first public practice at Chicago Bears training camp!
There will be plenty of attention on Chicago’s new-look secondary once the doors open to Bears Fans on July 29th as there’s plenty of change in store for the Bears’ cornerbacks.
In this episode of The Chicago Audible, the guys continue their annual summer series “Countdown to Camp” — where they go episode-by-episode previewing every position (and player) on the Chicago Bears — the guys share their in-depth preview (and discussion on) the cornerbacks.
What should we expect from the Chicago Bears corners?
Losing Kyle Fuller remains a pill that is difficult to swallow, but second-year corner Jaylon Johnson has the potential to step up into a more prominent role and become the team’s CB1. However, what exactly does Johnson need to do better to fulfill these higher aspirations?
One of the better signings this offseason was the veteran cornerback, Desmond Trufant. After battling injuries his last two seasons, and not playing up to the same standard displayed earlier in his career, can the Bears count on Trufant to be a stabilizing veteran presence? Is he even a “lock” to make the roster?
A player that is gunning for that starting spot opposite of Johnson is another second-year player, Kindle Vildor. After getting quality reps near the end of last season in place of Johnson who was dealing with a shoulder injury, Vildor displayed some flashes. He also received praises from his coaches throughout offseason workouts. Can Vildor actually earn a starting spot? And is he solely an outside corner, or is there a chance he fights for the starting nickel spot?
Speaking of nickles, another young corner in Duke Shelley is vying to replace Buster Skrine. Did we see enough last year to give us confidence he can do the job, and what does Shelley need to improve on?
Should Bears fans expect to see the rookie Thomas Graham Jr. getting defensive reps this season? And there are still some intriguing seasoned players like Artie Burns, Tre Roberson and Teez Tabor who are all trying to make the final roster. How will all of that shake out?
The guys also make some season stat predictions for the unit, play some over/under and discuss a few additional superlatives along the way. And of course, they stay true to form (adhering to their promise to discuss every player on the roster heading into training camp) by making sure they share which players fighting for roster spots have the best chance of making the team.
Which cornerbacks will make the team? And what should we expect from those players in 2021?
As always, the guys at The Chicago Audible, have you covered.
Other positional preview episodes:
Chicago Bears Offensive Line Preview
Chicago Bears Defensive Line Preview
Chicago Bears Tight End Preview
Chicago Bears Linebacker Preview
Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Preview
Chicago Bears Special Teams Preview
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