Chicago Bears brass made it clear from the outset what their objective is. They want competition across the entire roster. They believe athletes perform at their best when pushed by others. Nothing motivates a human being more than the threat of losing their job. The roster is in a far better place thanks to an active free agency and draft over the past three months. It is more talented at the top and significantly deeper at several positions. Now the coaching staff must see who is ready to step up for playing time.
Braxton Jones was one of the big surprises from last year and a reminder that anybody can score a starting job if they put in the work and show it on the field. That is why several of these battles will be more high-profile than you think.
Chicago Bears have several competitions to sort out.
Running back: D'Onta Foreman vs. Roschon Johnson
It's been established that Khalil Herbert will be the starter for the Bears this season. That isn't a surprise. He played really well last season and is proven in this system. Foreman was productive last year at Carolina and has more experience, but he also sits on a one-year deal. Johnson is a 4th round rookie, but that covers up how talented and versatile he is. Foreman cannot afford to assume he'll be one of the primary backs this summer. Not under this coaching staff. He must earn it.
Wide receiver: Velus Jones vs. Tyler Scott
Expectations were high for Jones last year as a 3rd round pick. While he did emerge as an excellent kick returner, his contributions as a receiver were underwhelming. That has left the door open for somebody like Scott to seize his offensive reps. Chicago has their top three spots set with D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool. Scott has great speed, reliable hands and is a sharp route runner for someone coming out of college. He is more than capable of being an immediate factor on the field with his vertical ability. Jones has to improve his route-running and hands if he wants to hold the rookie off.
Center: Cody Whitehair vs. Lucas Patrick
Moves elsewhere on the offensive line have allowed the Bears to consolidate at center with two experienced options. Whitehair was a Pro Bowler at one point playing that position. Patrick looked good at that spot last season before injuries derailed him. Both would be significant upgrades over Sam Mustipher. Whitehair likely has the advantage in run blocking and has played more games in the middle. However, he also has a well-documented history of snapping issues. Patrick is better in pass protection and has more experience in this scheme, but he now has questions about his health.
Nose tackle: Andrew Billings vs. Gervon Dexter
Interior run defense was a glaring issue for the Chicago Bears last season. Their defensive tackles were blown off the ball way too often. That is why Billings and Dexter were added. Both are proven run defenders with size and power. Billings is more experienced, with a proven NFL track record. Dexter is bigger and has significantly more upside as a pass rusher. It likely comes down to who has greater discipline in their technique and doesn't make too many mental mistakes.
Three-technique: Justin Jones vs. Zacch Pickens vs. DeMarcus Walker
If any position on defense feels wide open, it's the three-technique. Jones is still the labeled starter, but he only had three sacks last year. So his grip can't be called strong. Pickens has excellent burst and length. He was dynamic shooting gaps at South Carolina. However, he is a liability against the run. Some have Walker pegged as a defensive end, but his body type and success last season in Tennessee (7 sacks) suggest he fits better inside. He might be the closet favorite to take the job if the Chicago Bears give him the chance.
Strong-side linebacker: Jack Sanborn vs. Noah Sewell
Most will assume Sanborn is the heavy favorite after his breakout run of games last year. That is understandable. He was excellent. However, it's important to remember that success came at middle linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds holds that job now. Shifting to the outside isn't a cakewalk. It has very different responsibilities. There is no telling how Sanborn will respond to that. That gives Sewell, the Bears' 5th round pick, a legitimate chance to take it himself. He is already a good run defender and tackler. What might give him the advantage is his ability to rush the passer.
Cornerback: Tyrique Stevenson vs. Terell Smith
It is rare to think two rookies are the favorite to take over a starting job. That is a testament to Ryan Poles' work in the draft. Stevenson was a 2nd round pick, boasting terrific athletic potential and exciting tape. Smith was the surprise, going in the 5th round despite many thinking he'd get drafted far sooner. Both have already started making noise in minicamp practice. Both are good athletes. Stevenson has more upside, but one can argue Smith is better prepared to play in this zone-heavy scheme.
Kicker: Cairo Santos vs. Andre Szmyt
Santos didn't have a bad year in 2022, but he did miss some crucial kicks that cost the Bears some games. Throw in the fact he has trouble hitting anything in the low 50s range, and you understand why the Szmyt was brought in. He has a good leg for distance, was accurate a high degree in college, and seemed to save his best for big moments. Rookies often have difficulty unseating established veterans when it comes to kicking. Even so, Santos shouldn't get comfortable. One ill-timed dry spell in camp and Szmyt could pull the upset.
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