Five Candidates To Be the Chicago Bears Training Camp "Darling"

Every year there's one. It's like clockwork. That one player whom fans just seem to latch onto as their favorite underdog story. A great way to describe them is the Chicago Bears training camp "darling." Look back over the past three years and they're easy enough to remember. In 2015 it was undrafted cornerback Al Louis-Jean with that tantalizing 6'2", athletic frame out of Boston College. A year later it was seventh round pick Daniel Braverman, the plucky undersized wide receiver from Western Michigan. Last season? That was Wyoming undrafted free agent Tanner Gentry. The unfortunate reality is most underdog stories don't work out. Yet fans continue to embrace them out of the hope one day it might. So that begs the question. Who will assume that mantle for the 2018 training camp? Here are five names that fit the profile.

The Next Chicago Bears Training Camp Darling?

Ryan Nall (RB, Rookie UDFA)

Chicago has always loved its running backs, especially when they come from humble beginnings. It would seem the Bears are set at the position with Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, and Bennie Cunningham but this is what makes Ryan Nall such a fun story. He was underrated during his time at Oregon State. He's a big, burly back with surprising speed for his size. Seeing him play could bring back fond memories of Rick Casares and Matt Suhey.

Dejon Allen (OT, Rookie UDFA)

Believe it or not, the Bears have had good luck with undrafted offensive linemen in the past. Jay Hilgenberg was a seven-time Pro Bowl center out of Iowa. James "Big Cat" Williams became a Pro Bowl tackle for them out of Cheyney. It's happened before. So that's why a talent like Dejon Allen can be exciting to watch. He's got enough size, the athletic traits, and a finisher temperament. Throw in Harry Hiestand as his teacher and this is a perfect recipe for a surprise gem.

Isaiah Irving (EDGE, 2nd Year)

A ton of focus this year will be on the edge rush position. Frankly, the Bears are thin there, no doubt hoping someone can step up from the current crop they have. Isaiah Irving already has a bit of a cult following after a strong preseason last year. He didn't get to play much last regular season but with Pernell McPhee, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston all gone that's fixing to change. Irving has good bend and burst for the job, though his size remains a concern. This training camp will show if he's learned ways around the problem.

Kevin Toliver (CB, Rookie UDFA)

Of all the rookie free agents the Bears added this year, the one who probably should've been drafted was Kevin Toliver. The LSU corner has natural talent for sure. He was a five-star recruit out of high school. He's got size, can play physical, is a good athlete and carries himself with that swagger NFL corners usually need. He also added to his "darling" case by choosing to dawn the beloved #33, formerly worn by Bears great Charles Tillman. Imagine how excited fans would be to see another #33 making plays.

Nick Orr (S, Rookie UDFA)

Everything about this kid says underdog. He's an undrafted player and stands just 5'10", which is undersized for an NFL safety. Throw in the fact he comes from TCU, which isn't exactly a factory for great defensive backs and it really looks like he's playing against a stacked deck. Yet his stats show a potential playmaker with seven interceptions in his final two years. If he can produce like that in training camp, the Bears coaches won't have any choice but to take notice. Besides, undersized safeties have done well in Chicago before. Ask Mike Brown.