It’s been a bumpy ride this offseason in the NFL, but we’re getting closer to the start of the 2020 season as the Chicago Bears are preparing for the start of training camp. Bears rookies are the first to report Tuesday, and there are plenty of players that could make an impact in their rookie seasons.
With the recent news that the NFL has offered the NFLPA zero preseason games, that means less opportunities for some of these rookies, especially the undrafted free agents, to prove themselves with live-game reps.
Still, there are a lot of intriguing rookies to keep an eye on as the Bears start training camp, including some undrafted rookies competing for a roster spot.
Here are eight Bears rookies to watch at training camp.
1. TE Cole Kmet
After an embarrassing outing by tight ends last season, the Bears overhauled the position this offseason. One of the key additions is second-round rookie Cole Kmet, who was the most pro-ready tight end in the NFL Draft and could make a significant impact as a rookie in this offense.
Kmet will occupy the starting “Y” tight end role, as he’s thrived both as a blocker and pass catcher at Notre Dame, and he figures to do the same in Chicago. Despite a virtual offseason, Bears coach Matt Nagy has praised Kmet and his ability to grasp the playbook so early. It certainly helps that Kmet has gotten some reps in with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who has been organizing workouts this offseason in the Chicago area.
2. CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears got a steal in second-round cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has the opportunity to be one of the best picks of this draft for Chicago. Johnson had shoulder injuries that kept him out of the first round, especially as some had him pegged as a top-three cornerback prospect. Johnson’s athleticism, confidence and ability to shut down opposing receivers makes him one of the most exciting rookies to watch in camp.
Johnson will be competing for the starting cornerback job opposite Kyle Fuller, although he’ll face some stiff competition from a crowded cornerbacks room with Tre Roberson, Artie Burns and Kevin Toliver. Still, Johnson figures to be the favorite to win the job. Although he’ll have to do that without the benefit of preseason games, which means every training camp rep is valuable.
3. WR Darnell Mooney
The Bears need playmakers on offense, and Tulane receiver Darnell Mooney has the skillset to be just that for Chicago. During his four seasons at Tulane, Mooney tallied 2,572 total receiving yards. But it was his junior year that was especially impressive, where he caught 48 receptions for 993 yards — 20.7 yards-per-reception — and eight touchdowns.
Mooney has been praised for his playmaking speed, something that will help stretch the field for the Bears. As wide receivers coach Mike Furrey said, Mooney has the kind of speed and agility you can’t coach, which makes him one of the most explosive guys in that room.
4. RB Artavis Pierce
One of the position battles to watch in training camp will be for the third running back spot behind David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. While Ryan Nall is currently the No. 3 guy, undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce will certainly challenge him for the starting job. Pierce is a versatile back, thriving in the run game and pass game during his time at Oregon State, and he’d make a good complement to Montgomery.
Unfortunately, Pierce won’t be afforded the benefit of preseason games to show what he’s capable of in live-game action. Which might be the difference between a roster spot and the practice squad.
5. OLB Trevis Gipson
The Bears have arguably the best pass rushing duo in the NFL in Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn, which gives Bears fifth-round rookie Trevis Gipson an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. Last year, Gipson totaled 49 combined tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks at Tulsa.
While Gipson is a developmental prospect, his upside is huge. He has all of the tools to become a starter for the Bears down the line. And learning from some of the best in the game in Mack and Quinn certainly doesn’t hurt.
6. K Ramiz Ahmed
The Bears will have a kicker competition for the second straight training camp, although this one doesn’t carry the same weight as last season. Chicago brought in former Nevada kicker Ramiz Ahmed to battle Eddy Pineiro for the starting kicker job, and it’ll certainly be interesting to see how this battle plays out. During his senior season, Ahmed connected on 15-of-20 field goals (75%).
While Ahmed does have experience winning a kicker competition during his time at Nevada, the job feels like Pineiro’s to lose. And without a preseason to get some live-game reps in, barring a shocking turn of events, Ahmed’s time in Chicago will come to an end before it really begins.
7. CB Kindle Vildor
Bears general manager Ryan Pace has been known to hit on late-round draft picks, and he’s hoping fifth-round rookie Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor is another one of those gems. Vildor’s man coverage and ball skills present as an intriguing developmental prospect, although don’t expect an immediate impact in Year 1.
While Vildor projects to play a significant role on special teams in his rookie season, Pace loves what he brings to the cornerback position, citing his confidence, skillset and special teams contributions as reasons why.
8. OLB Ledarius Mack
We’ll soon see if two Mack brothers are better than one when training camp kicks off. Everyone’s curious to see what Khalil Mack’s younger brother Ledarius Mack brings to the table. Mack, who attended Buffalo like his older brother, tallied 24 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, and seven sacks last year.
While we’ll be missing out on an opportunity to see the brothers on the field together during preseason, it’ll be interesting to hear how the younger Mack fares learning from his brother on the practice field at Halas Hall.
