Which 2020 Draft-Eligible Cornerbacks Can Be Plugged into the Bears’ Defense?

It’s time for the next step of the Chicago Bears’ offseason of talent acquisition: The 2020 NFL Draft. We’re going to look at some of the best prospects at various positions of interest leading up to the draft in search of fits for the Bears’ needs.

Previous: Quarterbacks, Safeties, Wide receivers

Today’s position: Cornerbacks

Need: High

Currently on the Roster (2019 Pro Football Focus Grade):

  • Kyle Fuller (62.5)
  • Buster Skrine (59.8)
  • Duke Shelley (64.0)
  • Artie Burns (61.1)
  • Kevin Toliver II (51.4)
  • Xavier Crawford (48.3)
  • Tre Roberson
  • Stephen Denmark
  • Michael Joseph
  • BN’s Composite Ranking

    Ranking prospects is difficult, in part, because no one publication has the same set of fundamentals or preferences. In an attempt to work through that noise, we’re using a composite ranking based on opinions from PFF, ESPN, CBS Sports, and Walter Football and adapting them to a points scale. The best of the top-10 prospects gets 10 points, the 10th ranked prospect gets 1, and prospects outside the top-10 get 0. From there, the prospects are ranked by total points.

    Here’s how the cornerbacks stack up (points in parenthesis):

    1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State (40)
    2. C.J. Henderson, Florida (35)
    3. Trevon Diggs, Alabama (27)
    4. Kristian Fulton, LSU (24)
    5. A.J. Terrell, Clemson (19)
    6. Jaylon Johnson, Utah (18)
    7. Jeff Gladney, TCU (15)
    8. Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State (11)
    9. Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn (tied) (9)
    10. Damon Arnette, Ohio State (tied) (9)

    Best of the rest: Bryce Hall (Virginia), A.J. Green (Oklahoma State), Lamar Jackson (Nebraska), Michael Ojemudia (Iowa), Troy Pride Jr. (Notre Dame), Amik Robertson (Louisiana Tech)

    Team Fit

    Even when the Bears had Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan at the peak of their powers, I was known to make it a point that there is no such thing as having too much depth at the cornerback position. And while the Bears have depth behind Fuller and Buster Skrine going into the 2020 season, what the team doesn’t have is a sure-fire starter across from Fuller.

    All that needs to be said is that in a division that features Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and Kirk Cousins slinging the pigskin across the field, a third high-caliber cornerback is more of a need than a luxury.

    Most Likely to be Available When the Bears Are on the Clock:

    Any number of cornerbacks could be on the board when the Bears go on the clock in the second round. Trevon Diggs (Alabama), Jeff Gladney (TCU), Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn), Jaylon Johnson (Utah), and Damon Arnette (Ohio State) are among the second-round corners who have been mocked to the Bears throughout the pre-draft process.

    Much like the receiver position, there is no shortage of cornerback talent that could be available in Round 2.

    The Bears Have Reportedly Met With…

  • Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State (Video Meeting)
  • Kristian Fulton, LSU (Video Meeting)
  • A.J. Green, Oklahoma State (Senior Bowl)
  • Lamar Jackson, Nebraska (Pro Day)
  • Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame (Senior Bowl)
  • If I Had to Pick One:

    There is something about Trevon Diggs’ complete package that is alluring to me.

    As a high schooler, Diggs was a two-way star who was a standout performer on offense and defense. Diggs even showed up to Alabama as a receiver before Nick Saban converted him into a full-time defender in 2017. Even then, Diggs chipped in as a return specialist from time-to-time. Hard not to love that versatility.

    During his senior season with the Crimson Tide, Diggs earned All-American recognition from Pro Football Focus (first-team), The Sporting News (second-team), and the Associated Press (third-team). Diggs also picked up first-team All-SEC honors for good measure. Oh, and his oldest brother — Stefon Diggs — was a star receiver for the Minnesota Vikings (before being traded to Buffalo this offseason). So you know the blood lines are strong.

    As we have learned from watching Eddie Jackson, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and others, it’s hard to bet against Alabama defensive players when they take their talents to the NFL. And when they develop in the secondary, odds are they are going to impress at the pro level, too. And yet, Diggs could still fall to the second round. If he does, and the Bears are in a position to get him, they would be wise to follow history’s trends and take the best SEC defender available (bonus points if they played their ball at Alabama).

    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In their season opener on Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Colorado...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians when they square off against starter Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the...

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    In their season opener on Friday, Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Boston matchup...

    How to Watch Padres vs. Giants: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, the San Diego Padres (2-1) take on Jorge Soler and the San Francisco Giants (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.Keep reading to find out how to watch the San Diego-San Francisco matchup...

    How to Watch Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) host Paul Goldschmidt and the St. Louis Cardinals (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Los Angeles-St. Louis matchup below.When is Dodgers vs. Cardinals and...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The New York Yankees (1-0), led by Juan Soto, visit Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (0-1) at 8:10 PM ET on Friday.Find out how to watch the Houston-New York matchup below.When is Astros vs. Yankees and when does it...

    How to Watch Rays vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) visit Yandy Diaz and the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Tampa Bay-Toronto matchup below.When is Rays vs. Blue Jays and...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    more bears news