Alec Ogletree Enflames Bears ILB Battle With Strong Preseason Opener

The Chicago Bears signed Alec Ogletree last week because they were thin at inside linebacker. It was felt the 29-year old would give them some solid depth until some injured guys returned. Nobody told Ogletree that though. From the moment he arrived, the linebacker was making plays. Across his first four practices in a Bears uniform, he had six interceptions. Just incredible production for somebody with no prior experience in the system. For many, the question would be whether he could carry this over into actual games. Ogletree provided an answer during the first half of the preseason opener against Miami. The linebacker was all over the field. He had four tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass breakup. This included a stuff at the goal line to force a field goal and also nearly had an interception. His only blemish of the day was getting beat by tight end Mike Gesicki for 50 yards in coverage. Something that wasn't entirely his fault given how much time Tua Tagovailoa had to throw.

All told? The linebacker had a great day.

It is no longer a question at this point whether he'll make the final roster. He's looked that good. Joel Iyiegbuniwe, one of the primary backups the past two years, didn't help his own case with a bad holding penalty during the same half. Combine that with Josh Woods still being out with a thigh injury? There isn't anybody standing in Ogletree's way. Barring something unexpected, it feels like he will. Another reminder of how good GM Ryan Pace has been at identifying quality talent so late in the offseason. Jesse James, another such signing had a touchdown catch that ultimately proved the game-winner. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Alec-Ogletree-goal-line-stuff.mp4"][/video]

Alec Ogletree discussion is threatening to evolve further

For many, it's no longer a question if he'll make the roster. That was pretty much sewn up with those great practices he had. Now things are shifting to another situation. Should the Bears start considering the idea of letting Ogletree push for playing time as a starter. While Roquan Smith is an undoubted lock for that job, some aren't so sure about Danny Trevathan. His name hasn't come up often in camp and he recently missed practice with a knee issue of some kind. There is no doubt that Trevathan is a beloved locker room leader but his effectiveness took a dip last season. Especially in coverage. Alec Ogletree is younger and significantly better in that department. Head coach Matt Nagy has stated multiple times every position group is involved in constant competition. If that is true, then one has to think the newcomer should be given a legitimate chance to challenge Trevathan for the starting job.

That aside, one thing is clear.

The Bears inside linebacker position is much better right now than it was just a few months ago. Along with the arrival of Christian Jones, Ogletree has given the team four legitimate starting-caliber players on the depth chart. That is rare. A wise approach in a season that just expanded to 17 games. It's a safe bet Ogletree will see plenty of action this year, whether he starts or not.