The Chicago Bears defensive backfield will look very different in 2021 with the departure of former first-round pick Kyle Fuller, who was released this offseason and ultimately signed with the Denver Broncos.
2020 second-round pick Jaylon Johnson is expected to take the responsibility as Chicago’s top cover guy, but the role opposite him in the starting lineup is still up for grabs. Veteran free-agent addition Desmond Trufant is the favorite, but there is a collection of young corners who could emerge as fierce competition in training camp.
One such youngster is Kindle Vildor, who like Johnson was a member of 2020’s draft class (fifth-round pick). He’s been one of the early stars in minicamp.
“He’s definitely flashing,” said Matt Nagy. “Every play you get, every rep you get, you get a little bit more experience, a little bit more confidence and you can play faster. The stuff that goes on on the offensive side of the ball slows down for you and your reactionary skills are better. And what I think you see is you start seeing a lot more of what we saw on tape at Georgia Southern.
“He’s becoming more vocal, too. These rookies come in last year and they don’t meet a lot of guys and they’re coming in and he came in backing up some guys. Now, he’s a little bit more vocal, and you’re seeing him let his personality show. That’s a big plus for us.”
Vildor logged just north of 200 snaps as a rookie after appearing in six games with one start.
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