The Chicago Bears are scheduled to report to training camp on July 19th, with rookies required to arrive three days earlier. As expected, the Bears have high hopes for success next season with a revamped roster. However, several key positions are still up for grabs, offering opportunities for players to step up. With that, here are some Bears training camp battles to keep an eye on.
Chicago Bears Training Camp Battles
Starting Center
The most crucial positional battle this summer is at Center, a position that has been plagued with inconsistent play for the Bears in recent years. Thankfully, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams won’t have to face those issues, as the Bears have brought in two experienced veterans. Ryan Bates arrives from the Buffalo Bills via trade, while Coleman Shelton joins from the Los Angeles Rams through free agency
Ryan Bates has experience at center but primarily played as a right guard with the Bills. Despite logging only 35 snaps with the Bills last season, Bates was a top target for the Bears in last year’s free agency, though the Bills ultimately matched the offer. Bates has played in 73 games and made 19 starts over his five-year NFL career. What makes Bates so versatile is his high motor and active hands and feet, which help keep defenders away from the quarterback.
In contrast, Coleman Shelton was the starting center for the Rams last season, appearing in all 17 games and allowing just two sacks. Although slightly undersized, Shelton compensates with good leverage and solid positioning to effectively finish blocks. It’ll be a hard-fought battle between the two, and it’ll be interesting to see who the Bears choose as their starting center.
Projected Winner: Ryan Bates
Backup Running Back
Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are the two contenders for the backup running back position. Herbert, who was the Bears’ primary back before the acquisition of D’Andre Swift, is facing a critical offseason. With one year remaining on his rookie contract, Herbert needs to prove he deserves a second contract by outperforming Johnson for the backup role. Last season, Herbert rushed for 611 yards on 132 carries, earning a 77.9 overall grade from PFF, while Johnson accumulated 350 yards on 80 carries with a 65.8 grade. Unfortunately for Herbert, Johnson excels in pass protection and is the younger back with several years left on his rookie deal. The Bears will likely want to give Johnson a more prominent role in his sophomore season.
Projected Winner: Roschon Johnson
Backup Cornerback
Aside from the Bears’ elite trio of Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon, there will be competition for the fourth cornerback role. The Bears are loaded with cornerback depth, from Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, Greg Stroman Jr., and Jaylon Jones. Each of them offers unique skill sets which benefit the team. Smith is a lengthy corner who’s younger, Blackwell is an elite special teamer, Stroman Jr. has ball-hawking abilities, and Jones is an experienced vet on the team. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but the edge should go to Terell Smith due to his age and more diverse skillset.
Projected Winner: Terell Smith
Return Specialist
Many believe the return specialist role will come down to a battle between Velus Jones Jr. and DeAndre Carter, but there’s a third contender in the mix. Dante Pettis, returning for his second stint with the Bears, previously served as their return specialist. Jones Jr. has had ample opportunities to prove himself but has yet to make a significant impact. DeAndre Carter could be a solid choice, but at 31, he isn’t the long-term solution the Bears need. Pettis has shown he can be a reliable return specialist for the Bears. However, since Jones Jr. was a third-round pick by GM Ryan Poles, he might want to give him one final opportunity.
Projected Winner: Velus Jones Jr.
Backup Defensive End
One of the biggest holes on the roster is at defensive end, which could face serious issues if Montez Sweat or DeMarcus Walker sustains an injury next season. Apart from them, there are two candidates for the backup defensive end position. The Bears traded back into the draft to select DE Austin Booker from Kansas, a raw prospect with exceptional athleticism. He will compete with former fifth-round pick Dominique Robinson and veteran Khalid Kareem for the backup defensive end role.
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