Alyssa Barbieri
June 6, 2024 10:50 am CT
The Chicago Bears defense is looking to make a statement this season, and there’s no shortage of talent for a unit that their offensive teammates have already hailed as a top-five defense in the NFL.
When looking at the secondary, in particular, they could very well have one of the best groups in the league — especially their cornerbacks. The Bears re-signed All-Pro Jaylon Johnson to a lucrative four-year extension to lead a young, talented room that also includes Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith.
ESPN’s Mike Clayhas released his 2024 projections, including ranking every cornerback group in the NFL. Where does Chicago’s cornerbacks rank among the rest of the league? Here’s a look:
32. New York Giants
Nov 26, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) makes an interception during the first half against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Deonte Banks, Cordale Flott, Nick McCloud, Tre Hawkins III, Andru Phillips
31. Arizona Cardinals
Jan 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Steven Sims Jr. (15) catches a touchdown pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) defends in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sean Murphy-Bunting, Max Melton, Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas, Elijah Jones
30. Washington Commanders
Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (25) is called for pass interference on Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on a two point conversion attempt during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes, Jartavius Martin, Mike Sainristil, Michael Davis
29. Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) interacts with the crowd after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Hobbs, Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett, Brandon Facyson, Decamerion Richardson
28. Atlanta Falcons
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 20: Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears catches a pass over A.J. Terrell #24 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
A.J. Terrell, Clark Phillips III, Mike Hughes, Antonio Hamilton, Dee Alford
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) celebrates his interception in the end zone with linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Josiah Scott, Darius Rush, Ryan Watts
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Oct 29, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Chicago Bears running back Darrynton Evans (25) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710622 ORIG FILE ID: 20231029_tbs_al2_502.JPG
Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still
25. Minnesota Vikings
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears is tackled by Josh Metellus #44 and Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Byron Murphy, Shaquill Griffin, Mekhi Blackmon, Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr.
24. Carolina Panthers
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) on the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson, Troy Hill, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars corner back Tyson Campbell (32) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (15) during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports
Tyson Campbell, Ronald Darby, Antonio Johnson, Montaric Brown, Jarrian Jones
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass to seal a Bengals win in the fourth quarter of the NFL divisional playoff football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bengals won 27-10 to advance to the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cam Taylor-Britt, D.J. Turner, Mike Hilton, Jalen Davis, Josh Newton
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oct 23, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) on the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, Tavierre Thomas, Christian Izien, Bryce Hall
20. Indianapolis Colts
Nov 5, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. (39) reacts to a pick six by cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Moore II, Julius Brents, Dallis Flowers, Jaylon Jones, Darrell Baker Jr.
19. Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 24, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) fumbles as he is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710546 ORIG FILE ID: 20230924_ams_ba4_0623.JPG
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nic Jones, Ekow Boye-Doe
18. Houston Texans
Sep 11, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) in action during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Stingley Jr., Desmond King, Kamari Lassiter, Myles Bryant, Jeff Okudah
17. Los Angeles Rams
Oct 4, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive back Darious Williams (31) celebrates intercepting a pass intend for New York Giants wide receiver Damion Ratley (not picured) in the closing minute at SoFi Stadium. The Rams held on for a 17-9 win over the Giants. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White, Quentin Lake, Decobie Durant, Derion Kendrick
16. Denver Broncos
Oct 2, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Surtain II, Levi Wallace, Ja’Quan McMillian, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine
15. New England Patriots
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (6) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade
14. Baltimore Ravens
Jun 13, 2017; Ownings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (29) practices during the first day of minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Arthur Maulet, Nate Wiggins, T.J. Tampa
13. Green Bay Packers
Sep 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) trips up Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) near the goal line during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike De Sisti-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710511 ORIG FILE ID: 20230910_tbs_qt0_304.JPG
Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine
12. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (7) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 17, 2023.
Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Ambry Thomas, Renardo Green, Rock Ya-Sin
11. Seattle Seahawks
Oct 22, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates after the defense made a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Devon Witherspoon, Tariq Woolen, Michael Jackson, Tre Brown, Artie Burns
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) reacts after breaking up a passing play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean
9. Buffalo Bills
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Kaiir Elam, Daequan Hardy
8. New Orleans Saints
Nov 1, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Ugochukwu Amadi
7. Chicago Bears
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Greg Stroman
6. Detroit Lions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) celebrates an interception in the first quarter during a Week 15 NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dec 18 1966
Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Emmanuel Moseley, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
5. Tennessee Titans
Sep 24, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710546 ORIG FILE ID: 20230924_tdc_sm8_0494.JPG
L’Jarius Sneed, Roger McCreary, Chidobe Awuzie, Tre Avery, Eric Garror
4. Dallas Cowboys
Oct 31, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Nahshon Wright, C.J. Goodwin
3. Cleveland Browns
Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports
Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson, Cameron Mitchell, Kahlef Hailassie
2. Miami Dolphins
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball against Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during the second half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Nik Needham, Cam Smith
1. New York Jets
Nov 6, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) celebrates his interception with teammates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Ahmad Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II, Isaiah Oliver, Brandin Echols
More 2024 season
