Updated look at Bears cornerback depth after Tavon Young signing
Updated look at Bears cornerback depth after Tavon Young signing Share this article 759 shares share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-sign-tavon-young-impact-on-cornerback-depth-chart/ Alyssa Barbieri follow April 8, 2022 9:00 am CT
The Chicago Bears signed cornerback Tavon Young to a one-year deal, which makes him the first cornerback move in free agency for general manager Ryan Poles.
Young fills a big hole at the nickelback position, which was a huge area of weakness last year. While Young has the potential to be a huge asset in the slot, there are some injury concerns. He’s torn the same ACL twice and suffered a neck injury that forced him to miss an entire season.
But it’s hard to argue with the upside that Young brings. If he can stay healthy, he can bring some stability in the slot for Chicago. With a one-year deal, it’s a low-risk, high-reward signing for Poles.
With the addition of Young, here’s a look at the Bears’ cornerback depth:
Jaylon Johnson
AP Photo/Rick Osentoski
Jaylon Johnson is heading into his second season where he’s the clear-cut No. 1 cornerback for the Bears. Johnson is coming off another encouraging year, where he logged his first career interception. While Johnson would like to see an uptick in takeaways, he proved that he can rise to the challenge against some of the best in the league. There aren’t any concerns about Johnson’s ability, but there are questions elsewhere.
Thomas Graham Jr.
AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski
Thomas Graham Jr. spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad, where it took the entire starting secondary getting COVID-19 for him to finally get an opportunity. And Graham certainly made the most of it. Graham was impressive in his first NFL start, where he had seven tackles and three pass breakups against the Vikings in Week 15, and he immediately showed that he’s a potential star in the making. He’ll have the chance to compete for the starting job opposite Johnson.
Tavon Young
AP Photo/Terrance Williams
Tavon Young is an intriguing addition for the Bears. Young is an immediate upgrade at the nickelback position, where you figure he’s the favorite to win the starting job. He’s someone who’s been a valuable asset when he’s been able to stay healthy. Young suffered a torn ACL in 2017, a season-ending neck injury in 2019 and tore his same ACL again in 2020. He’ll have a chance to help get a Bears secondary that struggled back on track.
Kindle Vildor
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Kindle Vildor started last season as the starting outside cornerback opposite Johnson last season. But he finished the year as a reserve after a year where he was a liability in the secondary. Vildor was targeted weekly by opposing offenses, where he was eventually replaced by Artie Burns in a Thanksgiving matchup against the Lions. While Vildor made some plays down the stretch, he didn’t prove to be a starting cornerback. Heading into 2022, he’ll serve as a depth piece.
Duke Shelley
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Following the departure of Buster Skrine last offseason, Duke Shelley was primed to step into that role as starting nickelback. Shelley was limited to just nine games due to injury and COVID-19. But when he was on the field, it was a mixed bag. While Shelley had his moments, he didn’t do anything to prove that he’s earned a starting job on defense. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Shelley projects to be a reserve in the slot and a special teams contributor.
Lamar Jackson
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears signed Lamar Jackson — not that Lamar Jackson — to a reserve/future contract earlier this offseason. Jackson, an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, spent most of last season on the practice squad. He did show encouraging signs as a rookie in 2020, where he appeared in 13 games with six starts. In Chicago, Jackson figures to compete for a depth role in the secondary, where his special teams experience will serve as his best way to potentially earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Michael Joseph
Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago signed Michael Joseph to a reserve/future contract earlier this offseason, which means he’ll be entering his fifth year with the Bears. He’s been a mainstay on their practice squad, where he made his NFL debut in Week 15 against the Vikings. Joseph projects to be a practice squad candidate once again heading into the 2022 season.
BoPete Keyes
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
BoPete Keyes was another cornerback signed to a reserve/future deal this offseason, where he figures to serve as a depth piece and special teams contributor on this roster. Last year, he made his Bears debut in Week 15 against the Vikings, where he appeared on special teams as a reserve. Keyes projects to be a practice squad candidate heading into 2022.
O/U: Tavon Young INTs for Bears in ’22-23 – Powered By PickUp List Twitter reacts to Bears signing CB Tavon Young, TE Ryan Griffin View 41 items Share this article 759 shares share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-sign-tavon-young-impact-on-cornerback-depth-chart/ Like this article?
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