Chicago Bears: An early look at potential surprise roster cuts

3. Cornerback Duke Shelley

Last year, the Bears drafted Duke Shelley in the sixth round out of Kansas State, in hopes that he would give them some depth at corner. Over his rookie season, he appeared in nine games but didn’t do much of anything.

This isn’t necessarily a knock on Shelley, but more so a compliment to those the Bears will keep over him. In drafting Kindle Vildor in the fifth round this year, the Bears might have pushed Shelley off of the roster, which would be another wasted pick unfortunately.

I see the team keeping Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson, Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson, Buster Skrine, Sherrick McManis and Vildor. Maybe the keep Artie Burns and designate McManis as a safety, but that remains to be seen. Regardless, there doesn’t seem to be a solidified spot for Shelley on the roster.

What this cut would prove is that Pace has to become better using his late-round picks. I know he has found some gems in the fourth previously, but he has to start finding some gems in the sixth or seventh. Speaking of the seventh round, our next cut was looked at as one of those potential steals at one point.