Chicago Bears: Surprises from the first unofficial defensive depth chart

The Chicago Bears are hopeful that Eddie Jackson returns to true form

The only group left to look into are the defensive backs — this includes the safeties and cornerbacks. Starting with the weakest of the two positions first, we will look at the cornerbacks. Jaylon Johnson leads the way as the top option. However, he is only in his second season and is coming off a third shoulder injury. Do we know for sure he can handle the top spot? It was reported that he struggled to cover Mack Hollins today in a joint practice with Miami.

Here is one of the big surprises (not so much if you have been following the very few reports coming out of Bears training camp), Kindle Vildor is listed as the CB2. As someone who did not believe he’d be able to take over that spot, I will eat crow and applaud Vildor for his hard work. Personally, I thought for sure Desmond Trufant would hold the second spot. Now, Trufant will have to bring his best not only in the preseason but also in camp. This is the only way he can earn it back.

In fact, technically, Artie Burns looks to be ahead of Trufant on the roster too. The rest of the depth chart has Thomas Graham as the fifth corner. I think he will take over that nickel spot at some point this offseason. Duke Shelley could see his last days in a Bears uniform if he does not improve as he looks to be the first corner to be gone should the team only keep five on the active roster as they did in 2020.

Others who are fighting for a spot include Tre Roberson, Xavier Crawford and Dionte Ruffin.