Chicago Bears training camp 2017: Top position battles to watch and predictions

2. Slot Cornerback: Cre’von LeBlanc versus Bryce Callahan

This is arguably the most interesting natural competition for the Chicago Bears in training camp. The Bears have a ton of talented, but largely unproven players at the cornerback position. All of the cornerback spots will be up for grab. However, the battle at slot cornerback should be the most fierce.

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Some may not consider the slot cornerback to be a starting defensive position. However, to me, that’s crazy. In today’s NFL where the passing game rules the world, teams commonly line up in three, four and even five wide receiver sets. In these scenarios, a slot cornerback simply must be on the field. NFL teams are using three or more cornerback more than ever before.

With that in mind, the slot cornerback is undoubtedly a starting defensive position. When it comes down to the Bears’ starter at slot cornerback in 2017, the battle will be between Cre’Von LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan.

Both LeBlanc and Callahan were impressive as slot defenders for the Bears last season. LeBlanc was an undrafted rookie who joined the Bears after not making the New England Patriots roster out of training camp.

LeBlanc came to Chicago and immediately took on a large role. He played both inside and outside but particularly thrive at the slot defender position. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, LeBlanc was one of the best rookie cornerbacks in the NFL.

The numbers speak for themselves. LeBlanc was impressive as a rookie and undoubtedly has some upside going forward. I could see him playing on the outside again at times, but LeBlanc is undoubtedly a strong candidate to play out of the slot.

Callahan is more of a pure slot defender. His toughness and quickness on the inside immediately stand out and fit extremely well on the inside. Callahan undoubtedly has elite coverage ability out of the slot and he showed it last season.

In fact, according to one PFF metric, Callahan was the best slot cornerback in the NFL. Who was number two? That would be LeBlanc. That’s right, the Chicago Bears had the top two cornerbacks in the NFL in coverage snaps per reception in slot coverage. Now, this probably had a lot to do with their poor coverage on the outside, but impressive nonetheless.

Prediction: LeBlanc

When it comes down to it, I have no idea which way to go in this one. LeBlanc is the better playmaker while Callahan is probably the better sure slot defender. The Bears would love to get both of them on the field but will there be enough room with Prince Amukamara, Marcus Cooper, Kyle Fuller, Deiondre’ Hall and others also looking for playing time?

I am giving the slight edge to LeBlanc here because Callahan has struggled with a lot of minor injuries throughout his short career. He always seems to be dealing with something, and needing a tie breaker, I am going to go with the healthier guy. However, this one could legitimately go either way.