As the Bears head into training camp under a new regime, there are many questions regarding the depth chart. For example, it’s unclear who the starters are on the offensive line, at wide receiver, on the defensive line, in the secondary, or on special teams.
Training camp is perfect for players to separate themselves through practice and preseason games. With Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus’ preaching competition, there will be opportunities to win starting jobs and roster spots.
As Chicago hits the practice field, the top position battles are to watch closely throughout training camp.
Offensive tackle
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears signed veteran Riley Reiff, who is the immediate favorite to start at left tackle this season. That leaves a competitive battle at the right tackle position between Larry Borom, Teven Jenkins and fifth-round rookie Braxton Jones.
Borom spent most of his rookie year at right tackle and then took snaps at left tackle during minicamp. While he’s played guard in the past, he’s been adamant about playing tackle in the NFL – the marquee position on the offensive line.
Jenkins played left tackle last year and struggled mightily after returning from a back injury. The new coaching staff moved him back to the right tackle during minicamp before bumping him to second string. As rumors swirl around Jenkins’s inability to play tackle in the NFL, he’ll have to compete for the starting role occupied by Borom.
Jones has gotten reps at left tackle in minicamp. But, can he continue to impress the coaching staff and perhaps push for a starting tackle job? He faces an uphill battle after the addition of Reiff.
Wide receiver
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
It seems likely that Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle are WR1 and WR2 heading into training camp. The question is, who emerges as the third option?
Velus Jones Jr. is the old rookie with high expectations, N’Keal Harry is the first-round underachiever looking to revive his career, and Equanimeous St. Brown is the guy with a name that’s way too long for a guy with 500 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Someone will have to step up and win the third receiver spot. My money is on Harry, given his run-blocking ability and familiarity with the west coast offense. But, if he doesn’t separate himself from the pack, the rookie likely gets the nod.
Nickel cornerback
AP…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Bears Wire…