Bears 2022 training camp preview: A breakdown of each position
The Chicago Bears are kicking off training camp this week under a new regime in general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. The roster has undergone an overhaul, and there are no shortage of new faces.
Heading into camp, there are plenty positional battles to watch and roster spots to be won or lost at different positions. Chicago’s roster currently stands at 90 and will have to be trimmed to 53 by Aug. 30. But what does the roster look like heading into the summer?
We’ve taken a look at each position group this summer, and we’ve gathered them all right here:
Quarterback
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Our position previews start with the most important position: Quarterback, where Justin Fields has been the focal point this offseason. Aside from Fields, there were some big changes in the quarterback room, where Andy Dalton and Nick Foles are out and Trevor Siemian and Nathan Peterman are in. This new regime under general manager Ryan Poles has been criticized for its handling of Fields this offseason, especially when it comes to the lack of unproven weapons and the state of the offensive line. But they also brought in new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to put Fields in a position to succeed. — Alyssa Barbieri
Running back: How will Bears utilize the tandem of David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert?
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It’s time to turn our attention to the running backs, arguably the most stable position group on the offense. The top two backs from 2021 return for this season as David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert are expected to see the bulk of the carries. The team opted not to re-sign veteran Damien Williams and instead brought in Darrynton Evans from the Tennessee Titans. The Bears also drafted pass-catching back Trestan Ebner from Baylor to replace Tarik Cohen’s production and even added fullback Khari Blasingame, signaling a renewed commitment to the ground game. The Bears are expected to establish a strong running attack under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, led primarily by Montgomery and Herbert. But players like Evans and Ebner will have a chance to be solid contributors as well. — Brendan Sugrue
Wide receiver
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We continue with the wide receivers, who are either going to shock people or be very underwhelming. There’s no in-between. With the loss of Allen Robinson this offseason, Darnell Mooney will officially be the top wide receiver for Justin Fields. With the quiet addition of Byron Pringle and the selection of rookie Velus Jones Jr, there are many questions going into training camp. This is arguably the weakest wide receiver room the Bears have had since 2017. Still, before counting out this group, they need to play on the field. We’ll get a taste of that during training camp. — Ryan Fedrau
READ OUR WIDE RECEIVER PREVIEW
Tight end
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We’re continuing with the tight end position, which experienced an overhaul this offseason following the departures of Jimmy Graham, Jesse James, J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted and an influx of new talent under general manager Ryan Poles. Cole Kmet remains the only tight end on the roster from a year ago, where he’ll be the featured guy for the Bears offense. Kmet is coming off an encouraging second season, but he’s looking to finally break out in a pivotal Year 3. — Alyssa Barbieri
Offensive line
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Next, we’re looking at the offensive line, a position with plenty of question marks. Only Cody Whitehair remains a notable veteran when the Bears take the field. First, however, Ryan Poles rebuilt the offensive line focusing on youth and free agents. The most significant offseason additions were guard Dakota Dozier (IR) and Lucas Patrick at center. The Bears staff also spent four draft picks on the offensive line adding tackles Braxton Jones and Zachary Thomas; guard Ja’Tyre Carter and center Doug Kramer. — Nate Atkins
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Defensive line
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
This time we’re looking at the interior defensive line. Historically a strength of the Bears, this year’s position group gives cause for concern. Many current players on the roster either haven’t played in a 4-3 since college or are not 4-3 defensive linemen. The most significant signing this offseason was Justin Jones at three-technique after the failed physical of Larry Ogunjobi. Jones fits the mold of the linemen previously mentioned. He’s a 3-4 defensive tackle being asked to play in a 4-3. Most of the defensive linemen on the roster will have low sack totals and low-pressure rates. It’s a combination of playing interior defensive line and playing in a system where linemen are asked to take on blocks, not penetrate and make disruptive plays. — Nate Atkins
READ OUR DEFENSIVE LINE PREVIEW
Edge rusher
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When camp officially begins later this month, the edge rusher position is one that will look much different than last year. Khalil Mack was dealt earlier in the offseason and their other star veteran Robert Quinn will likely be absent as he’s reportedly looking to be traded as well. That leaves young players Trevis Gipson and Al-Quadin Muhammad as the likely starters, with others such as rookie Dominique Robinson potentially making it into the rotation. Let’s take a look at the pass rushers and what we can expect going into camp. — Brendan Sugrue
Linebacker
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Historically, linebacker has been the strongest position for the Bears’ defense. However, it’s hard this year to know what they have beyond Roquan Smith. The Bears signed free agents Nicholas Morrow, Matthew Adams, Joe Thomas and Noah Dawkins this offseason. They also added rookies C.J. Avery, Christian Albright, and Jack Sanborn to undrafted free agent deals. — Nate Atkins
Cornerback
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The Bears cornerback room was arguably the weakest position group on the team in 2021. Aside from Jaylon Johnson, no other player was reliable and they were exposed often. It was a key focal point in free agency and the NFL Draft this offseason for general manager Ryan Poles. Now with new faces, the group could be vastly improved in 2022. — Brendan Sugrue
Safety
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
The backend of the Bears defense was a complete liability at times during the 2021 season. But just like the cornerbacks, the safety position is going to look quite different when the Bears get underway in week one. Players like Eddie Jackson and DeAndre Houston-Carson are still around, but the rest of of the safeties are basically brand new. How will the newcomers affect the position group as a whole? — Brendan Sugrue
Special teams
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
We wrap things up with special teams. There are some familiar faces returning this season in kicker Cairo Santos and long snapper Patrick Scales. But the biggest change comes with the Bears’ new punter. For the first time in almost a decade, Pat O’Donnell will not be punting in Chicago. In his place is seventh-round rookie Trenton Gill. — Ryan Fedrau
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