Chicago Bears: 5 Training Camp Sleepers Worth Watching
By Erik Lambert
The Chicago Bears may be entering one of the most fascinating training camps in the past 10 years. That’s how interesting this roster has become.
On paper, it looks like there’s talent everywhere on offense and defense. Mitch Trubisky is joined by Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey Burton on offense. Roquan Smith joins a defense that features Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Kyle Fuller, Danny Trevathan and Leonard Floyd. It’s a young, athletic group with tons of upside.
However, they alone won’t be able to carry the torch forward. The Bears are going to need lesser-known guys to step up as well. Not necessarily to be stars but to be able to contribute when the situation demands it. That’s why this camp will be so interesting. Here are some names people might not be thinking about who could thrive.
Taquan Mizzell (RB)
People are so caught up in what Tarik Cohen is going to do in this new offense under Matt Nagy. Have they forgotten that Taquan Mizzell is still on the roster? The Bears scooped the running back from Baltimore for his skills that are similar to Cohen: undersized but athletic, quick and versatile. He’s a far better fit for this new offense than last year’s. With all the talk about Bennie Cunningham and Ryan Nall, he might actually have the most to offer.
Tanner Gentry (WR)
Remember this guy? He was the training camp darling of 2017. The undrafted kid from Wyoming had a tremendous camp and looked good in preseason. After that, he never really got a chance on the main roster during the season. Part of it was inexperience and the other was some mistakes when he did get to play. Now though the new offense gives him another window. The problem is the competition is a lot stronger. It will be fascinating to see how he adjusts.
Rashaad Coward (OT)
The Bears actually have a proven history of turning defensive linemen into offensive linemen before during their history. So it was interesting to hear the news that former defensive end Rashaad Coward would be making the switch to offensive tackle this offseason. It makes a degree of sense athletically. He’s got the size, quickness, and length to pull it off. The question is whether he can learn the fundamentals of blocking. If he can, there is enough talent to be intrigued about.
Isaiah Irving (EDGE)
Irving was a training camp and preseason standout in 2017. A defensive end from San Jose State, he demonstrated intriguing quickness and bend that could make for a quality outside linebacker in the Bears’ system. He never got much of a chance to show it though. He had a lot of fundamental issues to work through as well as building up his strength. With the competition at EDGE wide open this year, it could be his time to ascend.
Next: Chicago Bears: Top 5 breakout player candidates for 2018
Kevin Toliver (CB)
The cornerback position would appear set at the top. Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara are entrenched as starters while Bryce Callahan looks like the clear slot guy. After that it’s a jumble of confusion. This is the sort of situation that Kevin Toliver could take advantage of. The undrafted kid from LSU has starting ability and has looked good in minicamps. He could end up being a surprise hit and lock up that #4 spot over Marcus Cooper and Cre’Von LeBlanc