Chicago Bears players who need to have a great training camp

Training camp is around the corner for the Chicago Bears, and the depth chart is still very fluid.

There are plenty of new and returning faces heading into camp. Some have pedigree, and others are still trying to find their place in the NFL. Then there are former stars who have fallen from grace and are hoping for a rebound season.

Given the front office and coaching staff turnover, very few players are guaranteed their starting roles from last year. Which brings added importance to camp this year.

With that in mind, here are six players on the roster who need to have a great training camp.

1
OT Teven Jenkins

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The chatter around Tevin Jenkins is concerning. Once regarded as a franchise left tackle, it now seems he might not have a defined role within the offense. Last year he struggled in limited playing time as he overcame a back injury.

But during the offseason program, he was moved to right tackle and later moved from the starting lineup to the second unit. Now, after the injury to Dakota Dozier, some are asking if the Bears should move Jenkins inside to guard.

Initially a right tackle in college, the move from left to right isn’t too concerning. But the move from starter to reserve created smoke, and maybe there’s an actual fire. If Jenkins is the starting right tackle, he’ll need to prove it in training camp. And if he’s getting moved inside, the Bears need to do it sooner than later.

2
WR Dante Pettis

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At 26, the once second-round pick has yet to find a home. After a decent rookie year with the 49ers, Dante Pettis was injured in 2019 and was released in 2020. He signed with the Giants but never found his footing after getting injured. So Chicago might be the last stop before the bus stop for Pettis.

Pettis thrived as a punt returner and the second option to speedster John Ross in college. But none of the production from college has translated to the NFL. So while he might continue to find a home on NFL rosters as a WR4 or WR5, the time is now to prove he’s the starting wide receiver many thought he could become as a rookie.

3
WR Velus Jones Jr.

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Velus Jones Jr. is the first offensive player drafted under the new regime. Justin Fields handpicked him as one of the receivers he’d like to play with in…