The Improvement Of Kyler Gordon Isn't A Fluke And Here's Proof

Kyler Gordon was declared a bust barely a month into his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. That might seem crazy, but fans' knee-jerk reactions were easy to understand after watching him. While everybody wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, there is no denying he was a liability in coverage during those early weeks on the team. It's hard to pinpoint why. Maybe it was unfamiliarity with the system. Perhaps it was the Bears putting a lot on his plate as their nickel corner. Or maybe it was both.

Either way, there were calls for head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams to bench the embattled 2nd round pick. They refused. It was felt Gordon needed to stay on the field and work through his issues. They were confident in his talent and his mental toughness. He needed time to adjust to the NFL's speed. Based on the numbers, he's done precisely that.

First 5 games:

• 40 targets
• 30 completions
• 370 yards allowed
• 1 TD
• 2 passes defended

Past 8 games:

• 35 targets
• 27 completions
• 318 yards
• 1 TD
• 3 INTs
• 4 passes defended

It's not like he's been going against a string of nobodies, either. His two most recent interceptions came at the expense of Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen. They've been two of the hottest QBs in the NFL this season. If that weren't enough, feel free to watch the tape. His confidence and awareness have taken considerable leaps. It's allowing his talent to shine through.

Kyler Gordon is validating Ryan Poles.

Remember, the Bears GM inherited only five picks from the previous regime when he took over. Through a series of trades, he cobbled together six more for a total of 11. It's too early to make any final judgments, but the past few weeks have been a showcase for Poles. Gordon is one such example. Fellow 2nd round pick Jaquan Brisker leads the team in sacks (4). Third rounder Velus Jones, despite his rocky season, looks like a legitimate option as a kick returner. Last but not least, 5th round pick Braxton Jones has started every game at left tackle for Chicago.

Nabbing three legitimate starters and a quality returner with his first four picks in his first-ever draft is impressive. The fact he did it without a 1st rounder makes it doubly so. That is why Bears fans should be excited about what's to come in the 2023 draft. If he could nab Kyler Gordon with a 2nd round pick, imagine what he could do with a top five selection next April. It is great to see the young cornerback come around. Hopefully, the team will give him more help in the form of a pass rush next year.