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Chicago Bears roster battle template is set for the 2017 preseason. One can safely say it's pretty stacked this year. That shouldn't be a surprise. GM Ryan Pace overturned a number of position groups during the offseason in an effort to ensure their 3-13 mark from last year won't happen again. Admittedly injuries had a ton to do with that but he'd be the first to say that's no excuse.
He and the coaches know the situation. They must put together the absolute best 53-man depth chart possible. This means almost nobody is off-limits. If a player doesn't cut the mustard in camp or preseason, they have to go. It's prime time for lesser-known players to take advantage of an opportunity. That's why fans can expect a number of surprise winners in the roster derby this year.
Here are a few to take careful note of.
Tanner Gentry over Kendall Wright
Everybody in their right mind thought that Kendall Wright was a lock for the roster when training camp started. He's a former first round pick who has a history with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. The two have had success together. Problem is Wright is logjammed at a position with two others in Victor Cruz and Markus Wheaton who can do the same things he can and are performing better in camp.
Meanwhile Tanner Gentry has become a darling of the fans in practice, making a litany of highlight reel plays to show off his pass catching prowess. He's also got the advantage of being able to play outside thanks to his 6'2" frame. Throw in the fact he's younger and on a cheaper contract? It's not hard to see the writing on the wall here. Wright is between a rock and a hard place. Nothing other than a stellar preseason will save him.
Daniel Brown over Zach Miller
This should be explained. This isn't about playing time. The actual man, or men in this case who push Zach Miller down the depth chart are Dion Sims and Adam Shaheen. Daniel Brown is simply the one who will convince the team that it's okay to part ways with the longtime veteran. Sims and Shaheen will handle the production issues while Brown can fill a reserve role just fine. He proved that much last year.
Could the Bears do that with Miller? Sure but that wouldn't be fair to him. He deserves a chance to keep playing elsewhere. The reason he can't anymore in Chicago is they don't have to rely on him anymore, to say nothing of the health and age issues. He's 32-years old and missed the majority of two of the last three seasons. As good a teammate and player as he can be, he's not reliable enough.
Jonathan Bullard over Mitch Unrein and Jaye Howard
Bears fans were elated when the team made a late play to sign veteran defensive end Jaye Howard. He brought a track record of success with him from Kansas City and hasn't turned 30 yet. If his body is right after a shaky 2016, he could be one of the steals of this year. Along with veteran Mitch Unrein it would give the defense a serviceable twosome to play across from Akiem Hicks on the defensive line.
The thing is it won't matter. More and more buzz out of camp is that former third round pick Jonathan Bullard is emerging in a big way. He's generating a ton of movement both as a run defender and pass rusher. Coaches insist he's bigger than last year and showing more advancement in his techniques. If that's the case then they will want him on the field alongside Eddie Goldman. That will make for one dynamic front.
Kyle Fuller over Marcus Cooper
This will probably be the one that shocks a lot of people. Marcus Cooper signed a three-year contract with the Bears in the assumption he becomes one of their starters. It's no doubt at this point Prince Amukamara will occupy one of those slots. He's been having a tremendous camp. Cooper got off to a late start thanks to a hamstring injury. In the interim Fuller showcased that he's still got plenty of the talent that made him a first round pick.
This battle is going to be the closest. One that the preseason will decide. Why will Fuller ultimately prevail? Sheer, unadulterated desperation. He knows he has to make plays and show the coaches he belongs on the field. Otherwise his football tenure in Chicago will end. If not this year then definitely in 2018. At the same time the slow start Cooper got off to should hinder his progress just enough to give Fuller that opening.
Eddie Jackson over Adrian Amos
This might be one people already see coming. Why? The simple fact that nothing has changed for Adrian Amos since he got into the league. It's been more of the same stuff. He's a solid tackler and decent run defender but he's positively worthless in coverage. The guy tends to get beat and makes zero plays on the ball. It is the exact reason the Bears drafted Eddie Jackson in the first place.
He's showing why in practice. Jackson is living up to his billing as an instinct, rangy ballhawk. Quarterbacks have felt his wrath a number of times already. Coaches are impressed with his knowledge of the game and ability to command the back end. Normally starting a rookie is something they try to avoid. Then again they did so with Amos and also have veteran Quintin Demps around to help him. Jackson is ready if he can stay healthy.
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