Forgotten Wild Cards That May Crash Chicago Bears Training Camp
The Chicago Bears have a new-look roster going into training camp. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus worked tirelessly to overhaul every position, looking for great athletes who are ready to work and play hard. Excitement is already building around new arrivals like D.J. Moore, Darnell Wright, and Tremaine Edmunds. However, it’s important to remember that training camp often leads to unexpected development.
This regime continues to insist it is all about competition. Every position is wide open. If you show something in practice, then your odds of getting legitimate playing time go up. That is why fans should keep these names in mind as training camp approaches.
These Chicago Bears shouldn’t be ignored just yet.
Kellen Diesch (OT)
The Arizona State tackle turned a lot of heads before last spring when he turned in some freakish athletic numbers at 6’7, 301 lbs. His feet in pass protection looked effortless and he was a solid run blocker on the move. That made him an ideal fit for a zone-based scheme. The Bears scooped him up on the waiver wire and stashed him on the practice squad. Most experts felt he needed to get stronger before he was ready to play in the NFL. If he fixed that issue this off-season, he might surprise a lot of people next month.
Doug Kramer (C)
A homegrown product out of Illinois, Kramer had his fair share of fans going into the draft. While questioned for his size and balance issues, some felt his intelligence, mobility, and toughness made him a great fit for Chicago’s wide-zone system. Sadly an injury ended his year before it began. The former 6th round pick appears healthy now. While the starting job is unlikely, he can compete with Lucas Patrick for the backup job. The Bears still seem intrigued by what he can offer.
Rasheem Green (DE)
It’s hard to believe a guy the Chicago Bears just signed can be forgotten so quickly. Such is the nature of their situation at defensive end. Everybody is focused on embattled starters Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson or the idea of signing a top veteran name. Green was pretty effective last year for a bad Houston Texans team, racking up three sacks, eight QB hits, and 26 total pressures. Don’t dismiss him in that mosh pit of a position battle. He fits the profile of what this coaching staff likes.
Sterling Weatherford (LB)
There was a lot of positive buzz around Weatherford last year. He has size, instincts, and tackling prowess. His special teams value stood out as well. Unfortunately, some health setbacks ended his season early. Some would think the arrivals of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards have ruined his hopes of competing for a spot. That isn’t true. Jack Sanborn and Noah Sewell might be favorites for the strong-side linebacker spot. Here’s the thing, though. Neither has played it. Weatherford has. He could use that experience to his advantage.
Jaylon Jones (CB)
As injuries mounted in the Bears’ secondary last season, they needed some young guys to step up. Probably the biggest surprise was Jones. The undrafted rookie from Mississippi started four games and played respectably, allowing a sub-100 passer rating and only one touchdown in 44 targets. While the defense is suddenly crowded at cornerback, dismissing him after what he showed last year would be unwise. If the rookies don’t shine immediately, the coaches may look to him for some stability.