Chicago Bears: 5 Sleepers Who Control the Fate of 2018

The NFL is all about winning and in order to do that the stars must play like stars. It’s no different for the Chicago Bears. Never has been.

No doubt they hope this is the case in 2018. Guys like Mitch Trubisky, Jordan Howard, Allen Robinson, Akiem Hicks and Kyle Fuller must either step up or continue to play at a high level. One of the things that has stood in their way the past few years is the role players. Rebuilds tend to bring out the worst in a depth chart, exposing players who have no business being on the roster.

This year feels like it can be different. They have a number of potential sleepers on the roster, all of whom could make a significant impact if they end up in the right situation Here is a quick ranking of the five most important names to watch and why.

#5:  Chase Daniel

Anybody who doesn’t understand team obsessions with the backup quarterback position merely had to watch the NFC championship back in January. The Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles made it to that game because they had able backups like Nick Foles and Case Keenum in place. The Bears hope Chase Daniel is ready for that possibility. It’s not fun to think about Mitch Trubisky getting hurt, but don’t forget he got sacked 31 times in 12 games last year. It only takes one hit. Daniel has played well in minimal chances over his career. He better be prepared.

#4:  Kevin White

Never overlook the value of a deep receiving corps. Teams don’t realize how important that #4 receiver can be until he either makes a big catch in a big moment or has to step up for somebody else who got injured. Usually Kevin White is the one getting injured but he’s about to learn the life of a reserve. Word is he’s looked fantastic in practice, which is good news. However, it’s unlikely he takes snaps away from Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller. That said the Bears can still find good use from their former 1st round pick and may need him before this season ends.

#3:  Bryce Callahan

The common saying these days is that defenses are in nickel between 60-70% of the snaps every week. This puts a greater emphasis on the fifth defensive back than ever before. Particularly the slot cornerback. Teams that have good ones like Denver tend to have more able defenses than most. The Bears are hoping to remain in that upper echelon but in order to accomplish it, they need Bryce Callahan healthy. He’s had a hard time staying that way since he was signed as an undrafted free agent. He can be highly effective in coverage and a tough run defender, but he’s unreliable. He has one more year to flip that script.

#2:  Aaron Lynch

Next to the quarterback himself, no position is more important on the football field than the guys tasked with putting the quarterback on the ground. Seven of the teams who finished top 10 in sacks last year made the playoffs. The only reason the Bears didn’t (they had 42 sacks) was that their offense was terrible. This time though they might not be in good position. Pernell McPhee, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston are gone. Leonard Floyd is now their only proven pass rusher. Aaron Lynch was solid back in 2014 and 2015 but he has been practically invincible since.

Next: 2018 NFL Season: 5 Players Who Will Crash Back to Earth

#1:  Cody Parkey

Here’s a stat people should know. Among the teams who finished in the top 10 in field goals made for 2017, seven of them ended up in the playoffs. The Bears ranked 29th with just 16 successful kicks during the season. They may not be the most glamorous position, but kickers score points in the NFL. That makes having a good one so crucial, hence why the Bears signed Cody Parkey. He’s a former Pro Bowler who went 21-for-23 last season. If Matt Nagy can get him a similar number of opportunities he gave the Chiefs last season (45) then this team could be in great shape.