The One Bears Training Camp Subplot Nobody is Talking About

The Chicago Bears training camp list of stories to follow is more extensive than its been in a long time. New head coach Matt Nagy enters his first year at the job. He's joined by young quarterback Mitch Trubisky, making them the offensive coach and young QB pairing the Bears haven't done since Ditka and McMahon. Roquan Smith, their first inside linebacker draft in the first round since Brian Urlacher will get going on defense. A huge competition at wide receiver. Sorting out a weird situation at the edge rush position. Seeing how Tarik Cohen will be used in the new scheme. There's no shortage of things to watch. However, there may be one that's getting a bit overlooked. It can't be a surprise. Eyes of fans always turn to the big names. The starters. They can't afford too much attention to obvious reserves. Even so, this impending story is a fascinating one. Rashaad Coward was an undrafted free agent for the Bears in 2017. After a year spent on the practice squad as a defensive lineman, the new coaching staff made the decision to shift him to the offensive line. It might not seem like much now, but it's a move that paid off big for Chicago in the past.

Rashaad Coward has the tools to be a Bears training camp sleeper

The thing about Coward is he has some advantages in his favor. For starters, he'll be instructed by one of the best line coaches in the country. Harry Hiestand turned unknowns into highly-touted draft picks at Notre Dame for years. Then there's the fact he has certain physical traits in his game that could make the switch to offensive line beneficial to his career. Here's what NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein said about him last year.

"Shoots hands quickly into blocker's frame and usually creates early arm extension. Has flashes on tape where he can impress as a read-and-react defender at point of attack. May have enough flexibility to play as a big nose in a 3-4. Looks to attack under the pads and roll his hips under his extended arms to generate a leverage point. Has ability to set a strong edge."

Strong hands. Quick reaction. Flexibility. Wins with leverage. Ability to anchor. These are all qualities that are essential to play offensive tackle in the NFL. He's certainly got the size at 6'6, 310 lbs with long arms. It's a matter of learning the proper techniques and conditioning. It sounds like a tall order but the Bears have been down this road before.

Anybody remember James Williams?

In 1991, the Bears signed an undrafted free agent defensive tackle out of a small college at Cheyney. His name was James Williams. For two years he never saw the field on defense and only helped on special teams. Then in 1993, he was moved to the offensive line. Eventually, he landed at right tackle and became their full-time starter in 1994. With his help, they made the playoffs twice and he went to a Pro Bowl. It's one of the teams' unheralded success stories. Now they want to see if Coward can be the next "Big Cat."