Training Camp: Cornerback and Safety Spotlight

The first choice duo at Cornerback is set as Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman have their hands firmly around the starting roles. Vasher missed considerable time through injury last year and it undoubtedly hurt the defence. If both are at full fitness they are the best Cornerback duo in the league (though the Raiders like to think otherwise)!

Behind Vasher and Tillman are a crop of young, talented and eager players who have points to prove. Whilst seventh rounder Trumaine McBride made huge strides last year and some considerable time, he’s been overtaken by second year player Corey Graham and rookie Zack Bowman. Graham and Bowman have had sterling training camps and look set to make the roster.

The odd man out here is Ricky Manning Jr. and his isolation is as much to do with personal conflict as to do with his playing ability. Two years ago Manning had a reasonably good season as the Bears went to the Superbowl but last year saw a step back and it would be no surprise if he was traded or cut before the end of camp.

At Free Safety, Mike Brown is back. I am hoping that Brown can shake off his injury plagued tag and be a leader in the secondary. When he starts and finishes games the Bears generally win.

I’m less than convinced about Brandon McGowan as the starter at Strong Safety. Whilst he is a capable back up I think he is better suited to back up and special teams roles. Before the season is out I expect him to lose the job to rookie Craig Steltz

Kevin Payne is also in the mix, though I think he is better suited to the Free Safety spot. Whilst Danieal Manning is listed as a Free Safety, he’ll start the season as the designated Nickel Back though he’ll be pushed by the young corners mentioned earlier. I’d still expect him to make the team because of his versatility and ability to play Safety and Cornerback.

There are a couple of younger guys on the roster. Josh Gattis is a physical character who has been involved in a couple of minor altercations on the practice field, and I know very little of Leonard Peters.

Heading into the season it’s conceivable that the Bears will carry 10 defensive backs as they will spend approximately 40% of the time in nickel and dime packages so they keep will keep extra bodies here at the expense of the Line Backer position.

On the roster:
Mike Brown, Brandon McGowan, Craig Steltz, Kevin Payne, Danieal Manning, Nate Vasher, Charles Tillman, Corey Graham, Zack Bowman,

In a battle:
Trumaine McBride, Josh Gattis (though I think McBride will win out).

Gone, Baby, Gone:
Ricky Manning

Who are these guys – maybe they can be potential practice squad:
Trey Brown, Leslie Majors, Leonard Peters