5 things the Chicago Bears’ initial 53-man roster tells us
By Ryan Heckman
2. Chuck Pagano must love his young corners
At one point in time, many believed Kevin Toliver could end up starting opposite of Kyle Fuller. I was not one of them, however, it was thrown around. Before you knew it, Tre Roberson was gone and the path looked even more clear for Toliver to have his shot.
Still, there was one guy in his way. Rookie second rounder Jaylon Johnson looked like he could come in and start Day 1 — which is exactly what he will do now that Toliver failed to make the 53-man roster.
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Without Toliver on the active roster, Nagy and defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano are banking on their young cornerbacks, starting with Johnson. Along with the Utah standout, the Bears also kept rookie Kindle Vildor and last year’s fifth rounder Duke Shelley. Of course, Fuller and Buster Skrine made the team.
The Bears are fortunate Skrine can play either outside or inside, but from the way it’s looking, Johnson will start outside and Skrine in the slot. Behind them are two unproven kids — both drafted in the fifth round, too.