2023 Season

Which player will become the Bears’ special teams ace in 2023?

Which Chicago Bears player has the best chance to replaced DeAndre Houston-Carson as the team’s special teams ace?

Published

3 years ago

June 15, 2023

Bears 2022 NFL Draft: ESPN's Todd McShay says he loves Velus Jones Jr.'s upside (News)

When discussing holes on the 2023 Chicago Bears roster, it’s easy to go straight for the offensive or defensive line. One of the more ‘under-the-radar’ gaps is the presumed loss of DeAndre Houston-Carson, the special teams ace who’s currently a free agent.

Not only did Houston-Carson provide much-needed veteran depth in the starting lineup, but he was a stalwart on special teams. The Bears have been fortunate to have DHC on that unit for the last few years.

If Houston-Carson’s time in Chicago is officially done, someone has to step up. Here are a handful of candidates who might fit the bill.

Josh Blackwell

Blackwell is probably the most obvious candidate on the list. At only 24 years old, the 2nd year cornerback led the Bears in special teams tackles last season (11). Competing with rookies Kendall Williamson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terrell Smith, Blackwell will have to continue to make a name on special teams to ensure he is a lock for the roster.

Kendall Williamson

Over his last two seasons at Standford, the rookie safety totaled 117 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack. His knack for bringing down the ball carrier, 40-time (4.44) and Relative Athletic Score (8.6 out of 10.0) make him a potential core special teams performer.

“We did use him on special teams because he has a real desire to do that,” Williamson’s former defensive coordinator at Stanford, Lars Anderson, said. ‘Now, our special teams coordinator didn’t go overboard there because he knew he was playing a lot of snaps on defense, but Kendall was very willing to play special teams, played well, and with his skill set, that is another thing he should be able to bring to the table, the ability to play on almost every special team.”

As a 7th-round draft pick, he may have to focus all his energy on special teams to secure a spot on the team.

After being inactive for two games in the middle of the 2022 season, the Bears activated Jones to fill in for an injured Dane Cruikshank on special teams. He became a four-phase special teams player for the first time in his career.

Jones returned kicks, which was expected, but he was also used in the punt return game and as a gunner on both kick and punt coverage. With a seemingly crowded WR room, Jones may have to find a way to make an impact elsewhere. He is still young and athletic (two traits GM Ryan Poles loves), so look for him to get every opportunity to make this squad.

Kindle Vildor

By drafting five defensive backs in the last two years, Ryan Poles has made it obvious he doesn’t see Vildor (entering his 4th season) as a viable starting cornerback.

Similar to the role Houston-Carson played over the last few years, Vildor has a chance to provide value as both a special teams ace (he primarily only played on special teams his rookie year) and as veteran depth at a position with many question marks. This is probably the longest shot since this will be the last year of Vildor’s contract, and the Bears are unlikely to extend him.

Still, if he does provide value on special teams, the team could sign after the season ends, as his days as a starting cornerback in this league are over.

Click to comment