These days NFL teams play nickle defense more than they do their base package, making the 3rd corner an important cog in their sub packages. Having a nickleback that can match up with shifty slot receiver is a must, but he should also be physical enough so that he doesn't shy away from contact.
Sports Illustrated recently ranked the NFL's Best Slot Defenders and to my surprise they had Chicago's Bryce Callahan on the list.
- Chris Harris, Denver Broncos
- Patrick Robinson, Indianapolis Colts
- Kareem Jackson, Houston Texans
- Brandon Boykin, free agent
- Patrick Chung, New England Patriots
- Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals
- Bryce Callahan, Chicago Bears
- TJ Carrie, Oakland Raiders
- Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles
- Captain Munnerlyn, Minnesota Vikings
Callahan was an undrafted free agent from Rice last offseason and I never got the feeling like the game was too big for him.