Chicago Bears: Biggest Winner/Loser/Sleeper of Camp So Far

Chicago Bears training camp is just starting to rev up into high gear and already there are a number of players who have stood out.

Some for good reasons and others not so much. There is a long way to go but good starts can often mean the difference. Not just in starting or not starting, but also on a roster and not on a roster. Momentum is key. It’s the best way to stay on the radar of coaches, who are the ones deciding fates. So have any young Bears making a name for themselves? Yes indeed.

Here are a few names to keep track of and how they’ve been doing thus far.

Winner:  Tarik Cohen

A lot of people laughed when the Bears made the running back out of North Carolina A&T their 4th round pick. The same two words came out of their mouths that he’s heard his entire life:  too small. There’s just one problem with that logic. Small things are hard to catch when they’re quick and fast. Cohen is showing early in camp that he’s an elusive little bugger, both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Can he be their version of Darren Sproles? He’s making a nice case.

Loser:  Markus Wheaton

The timing for the ex-Steelers wide receiver is brutal. He came into camp with plenty of optimism. He was healthy, in good shape and was in an offense that fit his skills. Then out of nowhere Wheaton comes down with an inflamed appendix. He’s forced to the hospital for surgery. Now he’s out of action for what could be a month. This means he could missed most of the preseason. Not ideal given how heated the competition is getting at the position. Just pure bad luck.

Sleeper:  Tanner Gentry

One man fixing to take advantage of Wheaton’s absence is undrafted receiver Tanner Gentry. He’s been making noise in practice a lot already with some impressive catches. What’s granting him even more momentum is a growing chemistry with 1st round pick Mitch Trubisky. Having the ear of what could be the future of the franchise is never a bad thing. Gentry has a long way to go, but the development with Wheaton gives him an opportunity.