The Chicago Bears have stated they feel good about where their roster is at with the regular season approaching. Then again everybody says that this time of year. The reality is the Bears have gotten the roster to the best point they possibly can with the resources available. All things considered? They did alright. Quarterback looks much better than last year with Andy Dalton and Justin Fields. Tight end and running back are both deeper. The defensive line and inside linebacker are stacked. They have more capable edge rushers too.
However, not everything appears to have gone as hoped. The offensive line remains a concern. Especially at the tackle spots. Wide receiver seems fine at the top but with serious depth question marks. Yet the one area that seems to have their focus the most is cornerback. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the team is not satisfied with the state of the position. Especially the nickel corner spot. There is some belief the team could be active on the waiver wire seeking help during final cuts.
“I think this is a position where the Bears will be monitoring the waiver wire. I don’t know how they feel about Duke Shelley as the nickel cornerback, and it’s possible they’re seeking an upgrade — if one is available.”
This isn’t a big surprise.
Shelley was slotted into that spot when training camp began. Not so much because he’d earned it but because he was the only alternative after Buster Skrine was released. Since then? The former 6th round pick has not impressed. His low point came last Saturday against Buffalo where Mitch Trubisky picked on him quite often in the first half. Never a good look. As for alternatives?
They haven’t really materialized. Rookie Thomas Graham Jr. has potential but isn’t ready yet. Their only other notable option has been converted safety Marqui Christian and he hasn’t done much either. Chicago doesn’t have a definitive nickel corner right now. That is going to be a problem against teams like L.A. (Cooper Kupp), Cleveland (Jarvis Landry), Las Vegas (Hunter Renfrow), Tampa Bay (Scotty Miller), and Green Bay (Davante Adams).
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Chicago Bears will have to hope another team does them a favor
Nickel corners have become en vogue in the NFL these days as teams play the majority of their defensive snaps with five defensive backs more than ever. The product of a shift towards a passing league. Chicago has gone with this trend for years with guys like Skrine and Bryce Callahan capably filling the role. Unfortunately, business hampered them this offseason as they were forced to make some tough cuts.
Can they expect somebody of note to become available by next week? It’s always possible. Kenny Moore II is considered one of the best nickel corners in the NFL today. The Indianapolis Colts claimed him off waivers in September of 2017. So it is possible another team lets a good player go either because they don’t recognize his talent or they have somebody they feel is better.
As always, talent evaluation is difficult in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears figure to be active on the wire next week. They have plenty of depth question marks outside of cornerback but it seems that is the one being focused on. Fair enough. One can easily make a case that it’s their weak point on defense. Every able body is needed for the schedule they’re about to face. If Shelley wants to prevent this? He is going to need a strong performance on Saturday.
