Chicago Bears: 4 players who should not make the roster

2. Cornerback Artie Burns

I am all for a redemption story, but this one has a fairly low percent chance of happening. Artie Burns was drafted out of Miami as a first-round talent who was supposed to be at the forefront of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary for years to come.

The fact of the matter is, Burns has been atrocious. After his first two seasons, he played his way out of a full-time starting role. Just this last season, Burns started only a single game, per Pro Football Reference. He was bad. There is no easy way to say it. Burns has been horrific since entering the league.

Now, the one thing I’m sure the Bears liked in him is his speed. Burns is one of the faster guys in the league, but that’s his best trait. Instinctually, he still has a long ways to go if he is to be a solid pro cornerback.

We know the Bears are obviously keeping Kyle Fuller and Jaylon Johnson as their starters, plus Buster Skrine as the nickel. Behind them, I’d like to think Kevin Toliver and Tre Roberson are safe. That’s five corners, already. Add in a 2020 draft pick, Kindle Vildor, who the Bears traded up for, and you’ve got six.

Then, there’s Sherrick McManis, who could potentially classify as a safety, but he does his best as a special teams ace. Do the Bears cut ties with last year’s sixth-round pick Duke Shelley? Better question: How many cornerbacks to the Bears actually keep on the roster? I don’t see a huge value in keeping a project like Burns on the roster, personally. Barring a drastic change, there is no way he can play significant time on this Bears team and not hurt them.