After going over expectations for the defensive line and linebackers, now we move on to the cornerbacks. 

The corners were probably the lone bright spot on the Bears' defense in 2022. While the team was dead-last in sacks and 31st in rushing yards allowed, the team was a mediocre 18th in opponent passing yards per game. 

This is once again a young group with a ton of potential. Let's go over the expectations for these young defensive backs. 

Jaylon Johnson

The expectation for Johnson is to come into camp as the top corner and leader of this group. Johnson was absent for much of the offseason program, but the corner claimed it had nothing to do with his contract status. The fourth-year corner is entering a contract year and will want to have his best campaign yet in hopes of cashing in. 

This group goes as Johnson goes. The corner will be in camp leading the bunch.

Tyrique Stevenson

The expectation for Stevenson is to come into camp and earn the starting job opposite Johnson. Stevenson will have to beat out veterans Kindle Vildor, Greg Stroman Jr., and fellow rookie Terell Smith. Stevenson has already impressed in camp and should be considered the favorite. 

I expect the rookie to come into camp and immediately show he belongs. 

Kyler Gordon

The expectation is for Gordon to show he deserves the starting nickel role again in 2023. The Bears didn’t add any serious competition for the role, demonstrating faith in the young Gordon. I expect Gordon to learn from some of the rookie mistakes he made and have a more polished sophomore season. 

Gordon did have a nose for the ball in 2023, coming up with three interceptions and 71 tackles. He gave up his share of big plays, but that's expected from rookies.

Kindle Vildor

The expectation for Vildor is to fend off Stevenson and hang on to a roster spot. If Vildor can’t earn the starting job, he might be on the roster bubble. Vildor was targeted 39 times in 2022 and allowed 26 receptions, leading to a 59.4 PFF rating.

It's entirely possible that the Bears prefer to go with the youth movement and cut Vildor loose before the season. Or, Vildor could impress enough to keep the rookie in a reserve role initially. 

Terell Smith

The rookie fifth-rounder is a huge X-factor for this unit. If Smith has a killer camp, he could potentially earn that fourth corner role behind Johnson, Gordon, and Stevenson. An impressive camp and preseason by Smith could force the veteran Vildor onto the roster bubble. 

I expect Smith to come to camp and do exactly that. The rookie has the size and physicality to last on the outside and definitely has more upside than Vildor, Stroman, or Ojemudia. 

The rest

If I had to guess, I’d say that Johnson, Stevenson, Gordon, and Smith are locks to make the team. This means that likely only one spot is up for grabs and several guys are competing for it. 

Kindle Vildor, Greg Stroman Jr., Michael Ojemudia, Jaylon Jones, and Josh Blackwell will all be competing for that spot. Stroman, Ojemudia, and Vildor are the most experienced, but I actually think Jones has the edge. I expect Jones to come into camp and earn the final spot, beating out the veterans and Blackwell. 

Of course, that could change if one of the other guys has an impressive camp and preseason. I also wouldn't rule out an outside addition sometime between now and Week 1. 

Featured image via © Daniel Bartel | 2022 Dec 18