The Chicago Bears have a lot of questions about their defense that needs answers in the next two months. None more so than at the cornerback position. Right now all they know is Jaylon Johnson will be one of their starters. It remains to be seen who will fill the voids left by Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine. Both of whom departed this offseason. While veteran Desmond Trufant is an early favorite to lock up a spot, somebody is already rising to challenge that assumption. That is Kindle Vildor.
One of the Bears’ three 5th round picks in 2020, he was sort of lost in the shuffle last season as fellow rookies Johnson, Darnell Mooney, and Cole Kmet received most of the attention. When Vildor managed to see action late in the year, the results were mixed. While he had some good coverage moments, he was also burned a number of times. Rather typical for a rookie cornerback. Especially one with so little experience against top-caliber receivers out of Georgia Southern.
Did that discourage him?
Doesn’t seem that way. If anything the experiences last year only served as added motivation for him to work his tail off in the past several months. Word out of OTAs and minicamps are that Vildor was among the best corners on the field during drills. He looked significantly improved. At last, some video evidence emerged to showcase this, courtesy of former NFL receiver Hilton Alexander and his Route Kings Training Center.
The improvement is quite obvious. Vildor’s mix of smooth footwork, discipline, and patience stood out from beginning to end. He never let himself be drawn out of position and the receiver never really had a chance despite a decent attempt at a double move. The throw wasn’t on target but it didn’t matter much. The odds of a completion happening were negligible given how strong the coverage was.
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Kindle Vildor emerging is exactly what the Bears want
Nothing would be better for the defense than if two of their draft picks from last year became the starters. Not just because of necessity but because they earned it. Not only would it speak well to the team’s long-term prospects at the position, but it would also give them two cheap starters they’d control for the next few years. Something that is critical with so many expensive veterans on that side of the ball already.
One thing is certain. Kindle Vildor knew who to seek help from. Route Kings has worked with a number of professional athletes over the years including several NFL players. Not the least of which was former Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. Recognizing the need for as much help as possible, Vildor has not wasted his offseason time. He seems ready for the competition to come.
Will anybody be able to stop him?
Trufant isn’t the only one aiming to try. Duke Shelley, Tre Roberson, and Artie Burns are some other notable names seeking to score one of those precious starting jobs. They aren’t likely to go down without a battle. Given the hard road Vildor has traveled though? He isn’t the type to be concerned with such challenges.