Top Chicago Bears Fringe Players To Watch
By Erik Lambert
Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) makes a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Isaiah Frey (31) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
With so many new faces joining the Chicago Bears, it was inevitable some names would slip through the cracks. Who are some that fans should watch for?
Cornelius Washington
The interesting thing about Cornelius Washington is he was considered a steal by a number of experts when the Bears took him in the sixth round of the 2013 draft. He is an absolute physical specimen with outstanding strength and good quickness. The feeling was he could tap into that potential by switching to a more natural position. So far that hasn’t happened, and with the massive influx of new bodies at defensive end, Washington can’t afford to sit back and learn anymore.
Jordan Senn
As the battles rage among the Chicago Bears linebackers for the two open starting jobs, it’s easy to forget how things will shake out in the reserve roles. One name that has practically been wiped from memory is Jordan Senn. GM Phil Emery signed the former Carolina Panthers linebacker in free agency. Senn was a special teams captain and is sure to hold value in that phase for Chicago. It will be up to players like Khaseem Greene and Christian Jones to prove they can play special teams, otherwise they may have to make room for Senn.
Eric Weems
Everywhere one looks the talk of the Bears wide receiving corps either centers around Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, second-year man Marquess Wilson or the battle for the return man job between Chris Williams, Michael Spurlock and Armanti Edwards. Nobody has said a word about Eric Weems since he took a pay cut in order to stay on the team. He’s still just 28-years old and is a special teams stalwart. Fans should not be so quick to dismiss him considering his experience.
Michael Ford
The drafting of Arizona star Ka’Deem Carey really shook up the Chicago Bears running back depth chart. With him firmly in place behind Matt Forte, a mad race is about to ensue for the third and final running back spot. New faces like Jordan Lynch and Shaun Draughn are drawing the attention, which is confusing since the Bears still have Michael Ford. During the preseason last year the LSU product showcased a versatile skill set both as a runner and a return man. He appeared in 12 games and made three special teams tackles. There is no reason to think he won’t be improved entering his second season.
Isaiah Frey
He was the starting nickel corner throughout all of 2013. Unfortunately Isaiah Frey rose to the top of the depth chart just as the Bears defense was falling apart. Now suddenly, after earning his spot a year ago, he’s in real danger of not even making the roster. Rookie 1st round pick Kyle Fuller is expected to join Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings in the starting lineup. That leaves Frey in a serious battle with veterans Kelvin Hayden, Sherrick McManis and youngsters Demontre Hurst, C.J. Wilson and Al Jean-Louis for the final spots. If he’s not careful all his work will have been for nothing.