With the Chicago Bears set to report to training camp in a couple of weeks, there’s a confidence surrounding the team as they head into Bourbonnais.
Rookies are set to report on July 22, and veterans will join them on July 25, for what’s sure to be a training camp generating a ton of hype and excitement all around.
While the Bears’ only significant roster concern falls on what will happen at kicker — who might not even be on the roster yet — there are still some starting jobs and roster spots to be earned.
Here are four position battles to watch at Bears training camp:
1. Running Back
All eyes will be on the running backs when the Bears hit the practice field at Olivet Nazarene University. Aside from Tarik Cohen, the Bears backfield underwent a near-complete overhaul. With Jordan Howard now in Philadelphia, the Bears backfield consists of Cohen, rookie David Montgomery, veteran Mike Davis and rookie Kerrith Whyte Jr.
While the Bears are expected to use a running back by committee approach, there is still the question of who is going to get a bulk of those starter’s carries in 2019.
The obvious answer appears to be Montgomery, who many are already predicting will make a run at Offensive Rookie of the Year. Montgomery’s versatility as a runner and pass catcher make him perfect for Matt Nagy’s offense.
But many are under-looking Davis, who hasn’t really gotten a shot to be that starting running back yet. Before the Bears drafted Montgomery, they signed Davis and traded Howard. So clearly the Bears believe in Davis’ ability.
Then there’s seventh-round selection Whyte Jr., who could work his way onto the roster with his burst and speed both on offense and special teams, and Ryan Nall, who impressed during preseason last year.
2. Wide Receiver
The Bears receivers group is loaded with talent that will be fighting for the likely six roster spots available.
While wideouts like Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller and Cordarrelle Patterson should be shoe-ins for a roster spot, it’ll be those final two spots that will garner attention.
Javon Wims, Riley Ridley, Emanuel Hall, Marvin Hall, Tanner Gentry and newly-converted wideout Taquan Mizzell will be among those battling for those roster spots.
Reports from offseason workouts indicate that it should be a four-man race between Wims, Ridley and both Halls. But given the fact that all four have a realistic shot at making the roster, it’ll be one of the more exciting position battles to watch.
3. Kicker
While not the sexiest position battle on paper, the circus that is the Bears kicker carousel will draw eyes as it takes center stage, in front of fans, when the team takes the practice field in Bourbonnais.
The Bears had as many as eight kickers on their roster, which has now dwindled down to just two in Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro, who will battle for the starting job.
Both have been shaky, but they’ve been the most solid of those that had been competing all offseason.
The kicker is, no pun intended, that the Bears placekicker for the 2019 season probably isn’t even on the roster yet. That will become more clear the closer we get to the regular season as other teams make roster cuts, which should include some veteran kicker options.
4. Tight End
The tight end position will be an interesting one to watch for several reasons. Not only will all eyes be on Trey Burton, assuming he’s ready when training camp starts, as he comes off sports hernia surgery, but also on the battle going on behind Burton for the likely three roster spots.
The pressure will be on third-year tight end Adam Shaheen, who hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his first two seasons. While his size can make him a threat in the red zone, he’s yet to prove exactly what he is at this point in his career.
Then there’s tackle-turned-tight-end Bradley Sowell, who will be facing the challenge of earning a roster spot in a group that includes Burton, Shaheen and Ben Braunecker, as well as the four unsigned free agents in Dax Raymond, Ian Bunting, Jesper Horstead and Ellis Richardson.
While Burton and Shaheen should lock down those first two roster spots, it’s the battle for the last two that will be the focus.
