When you think of the Chicago Bears, there are several names that spring to mind. Khalil Mack. Allen Robinson, Akiem Hicks. Eddie Jackson. Even Mitchell Trubisky.
But there are some players that don’t get recognition, be it nationally or locally, that are effective contributors, be it as starters or reserves.
With the Bears determined to rebound following a disappointing 2019 campaign, there are several of these players that figure to be integral to the success of the team in 2020.
Let’s take a look at five of the most underrated players on this Bears roster:
1. NT Eddie Goldman
This one is pretty obvious, but nose tackle Eddie Goldman remains one of the most underrated players on the Bears and also the entire NFL. While most of the attention with the Bears’ front seven goes to Khalil Mack or Akiem Hicks, Goldman does a lot of the dirty work in the trenches for Chicago. Goldman is a force up the middle, a great run stopper and can get after the quarterback. He’s a big reason why Chicago’s front seven is one of the most dominant in the NFL.
2. DB Sherrick McManis
McManis is the longest-tenured Bears player, and his contributions on special teams have been a big part of his success in Chicago. While special teams gunners don’t get a lot of accolades, McManis’s contributions have gone under-appreciated, which might be a reason why he hasn’t been voted to the Pro Bowl. He’s also provided depth at defensive back for the Bears, where he served as a cornerback before moving to safety in 2019. McManis, who’s coming off an injury-shortened 2019 campaign, signed a one-year extension with the Bears this offseason to remain in Chicago for the ninth straight season.
3. C Cody Whitehair
Whitehair has proven to be one of general manager Ryan Pace’s better draft picks, and he’s served as a versatile member of the Bears’ offensive line. While Whitehair has his issues — whether it’s high snaps or blowing blocks — he’s proven to be a reliable contributor. Whitehair has played both left guard and center, when needed, and his play was good enough to warrant a second contract — a five-year, $51.25 million deal with $27 million guaranteed. Whitehair, who made the Pro Bowl in 2018, figures to resume his role as center, which he took over for James Daniels mid-way through last season.
4. DL Brent Urban
Defensive line has been on the strengths of this Bears defense for the last several years, and their reserves have been a key part of that. Roy Robertson-Harris and Nick Williams played significant roles last season due to injuries to Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols. With Williams lost to free agency, Brett Urban will play a key reserve role for the Bears. Urban joined the Bears mid-way through last season, and the team re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason.
5. OL Germain Ifedi
The Bears got an experienced veteran with the addition of Ifedi, a four-year starter with the Seattle Seahawks. While Ifedi has had his share of struggles during his career — penalties among them — his versatility at guard and tackle certainly is a benefit. Ifedi figures to be the starting right guard when the Bears start the 2020 season. While Ifedi has spent most of his time at the right tackle position, he started his career at guard, and he feels like he’s a solid interior lineman.
