Deon Bush Is a Bigger Threat To Start at Safety Than First Thought

The thing about making assumptions in June is that too often they're proven incorrect by September. One thing about the Chicago Bears under Matt Nagy and his coaching staff? They hate guaranteeing jobs to anybody. Positions should be earned. This isn't exclusive to their quarterback competition either. Secondary coach Deshea Townsend made it clear to the media that some assumptions are already being made regarding safety and cornerback. Namely that Tashaun Gipson is favored to start opposite Eddie Jackson. He was emphatic this is not the case. That Deon Bush will get a legitimate shot to take it.

Most people felt the signing of Gipson made him starting a foregone conclusion. It's understandable. The guy is a former Pro Bowler with tons of experience. His playmaking skill next to Jackson would be interesting to watch. At the same time, he did sign for a veteran minimum salary. So it's not like the Bears guaranteed him anything.

Bush has more experience in this system and he's patiently waited for an opportunity since being drafted in 2016. One could also argue he's more of a traditional strong safety type. Able to play down near the line of scrimmage, make tackles and stop the run. Something that would be a great fit next to the more free safety Jackson.

Deon Bush has a fan in Chuck Pagano. Don't forget.

During training camp and preseason last year, defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano lauded Bush for the progress he'd made. That admiration doesn't seem to have diminished. He saw spurts of action late in the season including a nice showing against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite only playing 11 total snaps, Bush logged three tackles and a pass defense. Pagano likes what he brings.

It will come down to if Bush can show more progress this summer. That won't be easy. Training camp will be held without the benefit of preliminary practices and there is a strong likelihood the preseason will be see one or two games cut. That doesn't leave a ton of opportunities to make an impression. It will be interesting to see how he handles it.