In the NFL they say you can’t fully judge a player until their third or fourth season. That maybe the case for this forgotten Bears veteran who’s entering his prime and turning heads at camp. Most importantly Coach Eberflus. Kindle Vildor is making the staff take notice.
Sophomore slump
Vildor was given the starting corner spot last season opposite Jaylon Johnson, and Vildor struggled. In just his second season he made it until Thanksgiving, when he was benched for Artie “one man party” Burns. That’s the nickname I gave Burns because receivers constantly beat him as well as made him miss tackles, leaving him alone on the ground often. Also Ironic, his name is Burns. That’s like a pitcher being named Homer. Back to Vildor, so with the season Kindle had last year, how can Bears fans trust him?
What the Bears first saw in Vildor
Vildor was taken in the 5th round of 2020 draft, so there was never a big risk with him being taken that late. He played well at Georgia Southern, but what jumped out at the Bears was Vildor’s combine numbers. Personally I hate when a player is drafted based on the combine, but Vildor did well. He was seventh among corners with a 4.44 time, and had the 3rd highest vertical. At 5’11 he has good size, so a fifth round pick was worth it.
What the new staff sees in Vildor
Originally it was Thomas Graham Jr. who had the corner spot opposite of Johnson when camp opened. Graham went down with a hamstring injury however, giving Vildor the opportunity. Now it’s Kindle’s job to lose. The first thing coach Eberflus mentioned about Vildor was tackling. “Thud”! Was the word he used to describe it. ” Our cornerbacks tackle” said Eberflus. Vildor has also looked great in coverage too.
Why this season will be better
Vildor made mistakes last year, he would be the first to admit it, but he also learned from them. On top of that he has a defensive minded coaching staff, and his Defensive coordinator Alan Williams specializes in the secondary. If Vildor does win the starting corner spot teams will be throwing to his side more often then Johnson’s, so we will know pretty quickly just how improved he’s become. He’s in a great situation to succeed, it’s up to him now. I expect good things out of Kindle Vildor this season.
