The Bears’ Plans For Kyler Gordon Go Beyond What We Originally Thought

When Ryan Poles used his first-ever draft pick to take Kyler Gordon, there was an assumption that he would lock into a starting role as a boundary cornerback. And it made sense, too. The Bears created a gaping hole at the position since cutting Kyle Fuller before the 2021 season, then failed to properly address it. If you saw how the Bears secondary played last year, you’d understand why it was easy to make the leap of putting Gordon as the other starting boundary corner opposite of Jaylon Johnson.

But that might not be where Gordon ends up this year.

Or, perhaps, it might not be the only way the Matt Eberflus/Alan Williams defense deploys the rookie cornerback. In Friday’s press conference, Eberflus was describing Gordon as a multi-positional defensive threat:

Gordon has spent some time early in training camp playing in the slot. Moreover, reporting from Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns (The Athletic) suggests that Gordon is embracing the opportunity to get work at the position. Gordon told reporters that he feels like that is a position where he could be like the quarterback of the defensive side of the ball. That cross-ball positional comparison tracks with me.

Think about it. The slot corner role often figures to be in the middle of everything a defense does. As we saw with Bryce Callahan when Vic Fangio’s defense was at the peak of its powers in 2018, slot corners can be asked to blitz and help against the run in addition to their coverage duties. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see a fully operational Callahan due to injuries. But if that is the type of multi-positional impact player they are adding at cornerback, then I’m digging the potential upside and positional flexibility. But even more than versatility, Gordon’s ability to run in the slot puts a dent in the competitive advantage opposing offenses had against the Bears defense.

In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing number of stud receivers operate (and thrive) out of the slot. Cooper Kupp parlayed his slot excellence into a record-breaking 2021 season and a Super Bowl MVP trophy. Closer to home, we watched as Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson bully a rotating cast of characters attempting to defend the slot last year. And while Jaylon Johnson did yeoman’s work in trying to operate as a defender there, it feels obvious that his best role is holding it down on the outside. And it simply isn’t worth taking a player out of their comfort zone (especially a position of strength) to shadow in the slot. Because, in essence, you’re wearing two positions at the same time — which is precisely what opposing offenses want.

This is where putting someone with Gordon’s skills, talents, abilities, and upside levels in the slot levels the playing field somewhat. At minimum, it should make opposing offenses think twice about how they attack with their best receiver in the slot when a high-caliber corner is on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

For what it’s worth, I still think we’ll see plenty of Gordon on the outside. But that he can slide inside without losing a beat could be more valuable than just sticking him on a boundary and leaving him alone. Let’s keep an eye on Gordon’s usage and development as this summer rolls on.

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...

Padres vs. Giants: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The San Francisco Giants (0-1), led by Jorge Soler, visit Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (2-1) at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the...

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

The St. Louis Cardinals (0-1), led by Paul Goldschmidt, visit Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Los Angeles take on St. Louis.When...

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

On Friday, the New York Yankees (1-0) play Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to watch...

Rays vs. Blue Jays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

At Tropicana Field on Friday, Aaron Civale versus Chris Bassitt will be the pitching matchup when the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) play the Toronto Blue Jays (1-0), starting at 6:50 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading...

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