Predicting the 2022 Chicago Bears 53-man roster after preseason

Defensive Backs (10): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon (R), Thomas Graham Jr, Kindle Vildor, Jaylon Jones (R), Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker (R), Dane Cruikshank, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Elijah Hicks (R)

The first two picks of the 2022 NFL Draft for the Bears were in the secondary, in the form of Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. That indicates that Ryan Poles was adamant about finding players to strengthen the coverage unit in the Windy City, especially as the league is increasingly becoming a passing league. As such, both Gordon and Brisker and veteran Jaylon Johnson are making the team.

Though Thomas Graham Jr suffered an injury, his scrappiness and aggressive mindset will be enough to convince Ryan Poles that he should not go anywhere. Kindle Vildor has improved significantly, and UDFA Jaylon Jones has shown promise. Dane Cruikshank and DHC are veteran leaders that know what it takes, and rookie Elijah Hicks has good ball skills. They need to stick around.

Unless something significant comes around on the waiver wire, this is the group Chicago will likely roll with in 2022. Still, this area is far from the most significant concern on the roster. Moreover, having a UDFA make this core speaks to Poles’ resume as a good talent evaluator. It will take more to solidify this unit and make it one of the more potent units in the league.