5 best training camp battles for Bears in 2019

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LAKE FOREST, IL – JUNE 05: Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) warms up during the Chicago Bears organized team activities or OTA on June 5, 2019 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Nickel Corner: Buster Skrine vs. Duke Shelley

Bryce Callahan signed with the Denver Broncos, but the Bears don’t necessarily have a hole at slot corner despite losing one of the best players at the position. Although Buster Skrine is a bit of a gamble whose career has been plagued by inconsistency, he could finally blossom in Chicago, where he seems to have found the perfect fit.

The Bears defense is loaded with talent up front, and Skrine would be able to show off his quickness in the slot. His long speed and lack of height wouldn’t be put to the test as frequently, and Skrine’s tendency to gamble could pay off big time for the Bears defense. (After all, his name sounds like “bust a screen”.)

Skrine had a combined 37 passes defended in his final two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before moving to the New York Jets on an ill-advised contract in 2015, never quite fulfilling his potential in his four seasons there. Unlike in Cleveland, Skrine didn’t make nearly enough plays on the ball to outweigh his mistakes, and he was likely the victim of his supporting cast.

The best days could be ahead for Skrine even at the age of 30, but his starting job isn’t guaranteed. Chicago drafted Kansas State star Duke Shelley in the sixth-round, which is a round that indicates he’ll get an opportunity to push Skrine for the starting job in training camp.

Shelley isn’t the expected starter due to Skrine’s talent and experience, but he has more speed. Furthermore, he had one of the lowest QB Ratings allowed in the Big 12 last season, earning extra plaudits for his hustle during the pre-draft process.

The rookie checks off all the boxes physically and in terms of college production. Shelley has speed to burn, ball skills, special teams ability, and a willingness to fight for a role. Bears fans are already impressed by his potential and wouldn’t be surprised if he unseats Skrine. That said, it’s more likely he ends up being a strong dime corner to Skrine’s nickel, maintaining the Bears strong depth at the all-important cornerback position.

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