It’s been a long offseason following that gut-wrenching double-doink missed field goal that ended a magical 2018 season.
The grueling wait to kick off a 2019 season ripe with Super Bowl expectations hasn’t been an easy one.
But, luckily, that wait is almost over.
Bears rookies are set to report to training camp on Monday, and it’s a reminder that football is almost here.
There are plenty of draft picks and undrafted free agents that have garnered attention throughout the offseason, from third-round running back David Montgomery to undrafted offensive lineman Alex Bars to fourth-round receiver Riley Ridley to seventh-round picks Kerrith White Jr. and Stephen Denmark.
The list is endless, as the Bears have a ton of exciting rookies to watch at training camp, but I’ve narrowed down my list.
Here are the top five rookies to watch at Bears training camp:
1. David Montgomery, RB
All eyes will be on third-round pick David Montgomery to see if he lives up to the hype that’s been building since the draft.
While the Bears’ backfield will operate by committee, Montgomery will be battling for starter’s carries with Mike Davis, who the Bears signed in free agency.
Montgomery has garnered praise throughout the offseason with his contact balance and versatility, which already makes him an upgrade at the position. From the sound of it, this offense appears tailor-made for Montgomery.
2. Riley Ridley, WR
There are no shortage of receivers heading into training camp, but there is a shortage of roster spots up for grabs. Riley Ridley will be battling for one of the roughly six roster spots.
Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller and Cordarrelle Patterson should be locks for a roster spot, which means Ridley will be battling for one of those final two spots against undrafted rookie Emanuel Hall, veteran Marvin Hall and former Georgia teammate Javon Wims.
The Bears couldn’t pass up Ridley in the fourth round, and it’s easy to see why. Ridley’s route-running ability is something that has drawn eyes throughout the offseason, as has his on-field speed, and he looks to be another weapon for this offense.
3. Duke Shelley, CB
When Duke Shelley’s name was called on draft day, many weren’t familiar with the Kansas State cornerback. But after a busy offseason program, Shelley’s name has been one that has come up quite a bit.
While some may have overlooked his 5’9”, 180-pound measurables, Shelley’s an instinctive player with the ability to disrupt passes.
Shelley can also prove to be an asset on special teams, which will likely impact his roster spot more than on defense.
4. Emanuel Hall, WR
With a loaded receivers room, undrafted rookie Emanuel Hall will face an uphill battle when vying for one of the six, possibly seven, roster spots for receivers.
Hall, who impressed during rookie minicamp, was held out of most of the offseason after undergoing sports hernia surgery for a groin issue that he’d struggled with at Missouri. It was pegged as one of the reasons that he slipped out of the draft and into the laps of the Bears as an undrafted free agent.
If Hall is indeed ready for the start of training camp, then he’ll garner watchful eyes with his elite athleticism and his ability to stretch the field vertically.
5. Dax Raymond, TE
Ryan Pace has had success finding gems either in later rounds of the draft or with undrafted free agents, and he may have found another in undrafted rookie Dax Raymond.
Raymond has been one of the most-talked-about rookies heading into training camp. Raymond showcased very good receiving skills at Utah State and, at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, possesses the size and strength to become a solid blocker.
Raymond will look to battle for one of the likely four roster spots at tight end. Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen are relative locks, but Raymond will vie for those two remaining spots among Ben Braunecker, converted tackle Bradley Sowell and fellow undrafted rookies Ian Bunting, Ellis Richardson and Jesper Horsted.
