Defensive defender (DB) is perhaps the most physically demanding position in the game. DBs are typically the source of blame rather than praise. However, possessing high-quality defensive backs is critical for becoming an NFL contender. The Chicago Bears have two defensive backs who were recently classified as Pro Football Focus’ top 32 safety and cornerbacks.
Bears Defensive Backs Highlighted In PFF’s New Rankings
Analysis of the Two Bears Defensive Backs
Jaylon Johnson ranked 5th among cornerbacks. He rose to stardom last season, earning 2nd Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. Johnson was the Bears top defensive player last season, effortlessly locking down opposing receivers. According to PFF, he was the highest-graded corner in coverage with a 91.0 rating and allowed the lowest passer rating. Johnson bet on himself last season, which resulted in a massive contract. Over the offseason, he signed a four-year, $76 million extension.
Newly acquired free safety Kevin Byard was ranked 12th among safeties. The veteran is still one of the league’s greatest safeties, with a 70.0-plus coverage rating in all but two seasons prior to 2023. According to PFF, Byard has a 91.9 overall grade since joining the league and is second in run defense, trailing only Antoine Winfield Jr. However, Byard had a bad year with the Eagles and Titans last season, which was attributed in part to defensive inefficiency by the Eagles’ playcallers. Byard, who will be joining a talented defense, should recover and have a successful season.
Do the Bears Defensive Backs Deserve a Higher Ranking?
Jaylon Johnson unquestionably deserves a higher ranking. Here’s the list of corners ranked ahead of him in order: Sauce Gardner, Trent McDuffie, Charvarius Ward, and Pat Surtain II. Besides Gardner, there’s little justification for Johnson not being ranked higher. According to Pro Football Impact, Johnson had the highest CB impact rating at 98.00. The next highest player on the list was Gardner, at 93.32.
On the flip side, there’s a case to be made for Kevin Byard as a top-10 safety, but his rating was fair. It’s hard to see Byard being ranked ahead of the top 10 safeties due to their dominance on the field. Despite years of being one of the best safeties, Byard experienced a downturn last season, which can’t be overlooked. He still needs to prove he’s an elite safety next season.
