Chicago Bears: Projected 53-man roster following 2019 NFL Draft
By Ryan Heckman
Secondary
Cornerbacks
Kyle Fuller
Remember when people laughed off Kyle Fuller as a potential cut a couple of years ago? That take didn’t age well. He is now an All Pro cornerback, as part of a lethal secondary in Chicago.
Prince Amukamara
Opposite of Fuller is the Bears’ more physical corner, Prince Amukamara, who is steady in his role. In 2019, I’d like to see him make more plays on the ball. But, he’s solidified the no. 2 corner spot.
Buster Skrine
The Buster Skrine signing has many fans split. With Bryce Callahan leaving for the Denver Broncos, the Bears seemed confident in signing Skrine as his replacement. Skrine is a physical player, that’s for sure. But, can he hold up mentally? We shall see.
Duke Shelley
The Bears’ sixth-rounder, Duke Shelley, may be undersized at 5-foot-9, but he has scouts and analysts raving about his physical gifts. He’s a quick-twitch athlete with a ridiculous vertical jump, and many think he’ll challenge Skrine in training camp and the preseason — which would be excellent if you ask me.
Sherrick McManis
One of the longer-tenured Bears and a special teams standout, Sherrick McManis will be on the roster, no doubt. His role is pretty solidified until someone else takes it from him.
Kevin Toliver
As an undrafted free agent out of LSU last year, Kevin Toliver not only made the roster but came in and played at times. He is still somewhat of a project, but the Bears love his work ethic.
Stephen Denmark
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The Bears’ very last pick in the 2019 draft is one of the best athletes in his entire class. A 6-foot-3 corner with blazing speed, tremendous length and a strong vertical, Stephen Denmark should make this squad despite only having one year of experience as a cornerback.
Safeties
Eddie Jackson
Do I really need to say much about fans’ favorite member of the secondary? Eddie Jackson is the best safety in football — hands down.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
He will always be known as the Adrian Amos replacement, but I think he fits better within this defense than Amos did. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is here on a 1-year deal and very well could go get paid elsewhere next year.
Deon Bush
The Bears should probably try and upgrade their safety depth in the next year’s draft, as Deon Bush is the only real semi-solid backup they have on the roster.
DeAndre Houston-Carson
Continuing that conversation, DeAndre Houston-Carson hasn’t really developed into what the Bears had hoped. This year is his chance to impress at training camp and in the preseason, barring an injury, in order to attract other teams heading into free agency.