The Bears' defense struggled in almost every phase in 2022. The unit was extremely young and inexperienced and it showed on the field. 

That should not be a problem in 2023. Several impact veterans were added this offseason, including TJ Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and DeMarcus Walker. With an improved roster, some starters from 2022 will inevitably be relegated to bench roles. 

One NFL writer thinks a member of the secondary could be on his way out after starting several games last season.

Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic recently published his prediction for the Bears' final roster. 

One of the notable omissions is defensive back Kindle Vildor. Vildor started nine games at corner in 2022 and ended with 34 tackles and one interception. PFF was not overly impressed with Vildor's performance, giving the corner a 59.4 grade. Perhaps the Bears feel good enough about rookie Tyrique Stevenson to make Vildor expendable. 

Fishbain had six corners making the roster and still didn't have Vildor making the team. Jaylon Johnson, Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Terrell Smith, Josh Blackwell, and Jaylon Jones make up Fishbain's corner room. 

Johnson, Stevenson, Gordon, and Smith can be considered locks, meaning the rest of the guys are competing for one or two spots. Fishbain noted that Vildor is slated to make $2.7M this season, which is a hefty price tag for a reserve corner. The Bears could prefer to go younger and cheaper with the last couple of depth spots. 

Featured image via © Scott Galvin | 2022 Aug 27