Chicago Bears 2013 Position Battles: Cornerback

When Kelvin Hayden was shelved with a torn hamstring, it created a job opening with the Chicago Bears. His spot on the final roster was close to a lock as the starting nickle back and the number two corner. The Bears may look to add another corner at some point, unless they are really, really happy with the youngsters they have in camp.

With Hayden being out, the Bears have seven CBs on the current roster. Last year the Bears kept five corners, to go along with five safeties, but this year we'll have to wait and see how Marc Trestman will construct his roster.

Roster Locks

The Pro Bowl starting corner backs of the Bears will both look for a return trip to Hawaii. Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings are a perfect fit in the Bears' cover two scheme, but they are more than just that. This year new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker may make some variations on the defense, so the CBs may find themselves doing some different things on occasion.

Behind the starters, there are three guys that look like sure bets to stick around, but they aren't quite established enough as NFL players to fall into my Lock category.

A good bet to make it

Zack Bowman is slotted in as the number two corner with Hayden out, and he does have some starting experience with the Bears. In his five year career he has 16 starts in 57 total games, plus a lot of special teams experience. He was mainly a special teamer in 2012, and the Bears have cut him before. I think something really crazy has to happen for Bowman to be cut this year.

I'm not ready to crown Isaiah Frey the starting nickle just yet. Looking like a play maker running around at training camp is a lot different than on game day. He needs to show that the speed of the game isn't too fast for him tomorrow night against Carolina, and throughout preseason. I think Frey will be given every chance to settle into his new found role.

Sherrick McManis hasn't had much time playing defense in his three years in as a pro, but he's been a solid special teamer. If the Bears go with five corners, McMannis should beat out the two bubble guys listed below.

On the Bubble

Undrafted rookie free agents Demontre Hurst and C.J. Wilson have a better chance sticking around for the practice squad than they do making the final 53 man roster, and even that chance is slim.

What do you think about the Bears' corner back situation? Do you think the Bears will look to bring in another veteran?

More from Windy City Gridiron:

• Chicago Bears 2013 Position Battles: Safety
• Chicago Bears CB Kelvin Hayden out for the year with a torn hamstring
• The Bears Den: August 08, 2013 - Training Camp news and notes
• Bears Playbook - Luke Kuechly Versus Jay Cutler
• Pleased to Meet You: Preseason Week 1, Carolina Panthers
• Chicago Bears 2013 Position Battles: Defensive End