For the first time in what feels like years, the Chicago Bears have depth, and with that comes competition. Which roster battles are the ones to watch heading into preseason?
The saying goes that coaches love it when they have a difficult decision to make on a particular roster spot. It often means they have at least two good players to choose from and it’s a matter of figuring out which one earned it more. John Fox, Dowell Loggains and Vic Fangio have that job ahead of them in the 2016 preseason as they try to sort out a depth chart that will hopefully get the Bears back to the playoffs for the first time in six years.
OLB: Leonard Floyd vs. Lamarr Houston
This is a classic highly touted rookie against proven veteran situation. Floyd is a top 10 pick who is expected to seriously bolster the Bears’ pass rush after just 35 sacks in 2015. Standing in his way is Lamarr Houston, who led the team with eight. Pernell McPhee is set on one side so it will come down to which of them shows they give the defense more bite. Floyd has the advantage in speed and athleticism where Houston is stronger and more experienced. Should be fun to watch.
OG: Ted Larsen vs. Cody Whitehair
Veteran guard Larsen came in like a man who’d been promised an opportunity to start, which was unusual since the Bears still had Matt Slauson and had just moved Kyle Long back to right guard. Now Slauson is gone. That means left guard is wide open, but Larsen won’t have it easy. Many expect 2nd round pick Cody Whitehair, considered among the most polished and pro-ready offensive lineman in the draft, to not only challenge but win the job outright.
WR: Eddie Royal vs. Daniel Braverman
Ask the question why a receiver who has had considerable success in the NFL should have any reason to fear a 7th round pick and the answer is two-pronged. Eddie Royal missed seven games in 2015 with injury and turns 30-years old before the month of May is over. Then there is the fact that Daniel Braverman is better than his draft status would indicate. His skill set is that of a classic slot receiver, the same role Royal expects to fill between Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White. If he’s not careful the rookie could give the Bears an excuse to get rid of him.
CB: Deiondre Hall vs. Bryce Callahan
Vic Fangio loves his corners big and long. So it was no surprise the 6’2″ Deiondre Hall was selected. The question is how long will it take him to crack the starting lineup. Kyle Fuller and Tracy Porter seem set at two of the three primary spots. So the main obstacle will be Bryce Callahan. When healthy he was the most consistent performer at that #3 spot. The former undrafted free agent knows the team has no reason to promise him anything, so this is a battle he can’t afford to lose. Hall will have to show he can learn to play with more discipline rather than rely on just his physical talent.
RB: Jeremy Langford vs. Jordan Howard
Yes, the Chicago Bears are going to employ a running back-by-committee approach in 2016 as they often did last year. Even so, every backfield has a starter who gets more carries than the others. It looked like Jeremy Langford was that guy after the team parted ways with Matt Forte, but that was until the arrival of 5th round pick Jordan Howard. The big back was a workhorse at Indiana who has the size, strength and durability to handle heavy workloads without slowing down. He, more than Langford looks like he can handle the pounding. So it will be interesting to see how the second-year back responds.