The Next Bryce Callahan? Bears Add More Help at Cornerback
Losing Bryce Callahan was a tough blow. Is that why we saw the Chicago Bears draft Duke Shelley? It certainly feels that way. The K-State cornerback has many similarities to the former standout slot corner. He’s only 5’9 but plays with athleticism and aggression. He is good in coverage and sticks his nose in as a tackler.
While the Bears may have Buster Skrine for the time being, he’s entering his 30s. How much longer he’ll be at his peak is unknown. It makes perfect sense for the Bears to have added cornerback help behind him. Shelley can be of help on special teams until the time comes to start competing for that starting job.
“Smooth change of direction allows him to match receivers vertically. Stays square to the line of scrimmage and with proper leverage until necessary. Stick man coverage skills vertically. Proper technique. Reacts well in zone coverage, and has the ball skills to compete at the catchpoint and be physical playing the pocket.
Gets around quickly. Click and close ability. Active in run support, plays downhill with some decent physicality. Lowers his shoulder and does a good job maintaining the edge.”
Chicago Bears draft Duke Shelley into good hands with Chuck Pagano
One reason it’s okay to trust this pick? Chuck Pagano is the defensive coordinator. This man has a deep background in coaching defensive backs going all the way back to college in the 1990s. He understands cornerbacks extremely well and has helped his previous teams unearth some good ones including Lardarius Webb.
Shelley is undersized but he is quick, fast, and doesn’t back down from anybody. Those are good traits to have. If Pagano can get his technique and discipline straightened out, he’s a good enough athlete to have success on the NFL level. Besides, Ryan Pace has a reputation for finding good defensive backs in low places.
He did find Callahan in the first place, after all. If nothing else this provides good, cheap depth at a position that looked a little too top heavy.