Tag: 2022 training camp

Bears training camp preview: Who are the newcomers in 2022?

Ahead of training camp, here’s a look at the new additions to the Bears roster, listed by jersey number.

There’s been plenty of change with the Chicago Bears roster since the new regime under general manager Ryan Poles took over. The Bears added 54 new players to the 90-man roster since the end of the 2021 season.

A lot of those additions have been one-year, prove-it deals as Poles rebuilds the roster. He’s not tying himself to most players beyond this season, but there are certainly a lot of new faces.

So who are all these newcomers? The Bears added 11 draft picks, signed or claimed 29 veterans and signed 14 undrafted rookie free agents.

Here’s a look at the newcomers to Chicago this summer, listed by jersey number:

6 causes for concern as Bears prepare for training camp

With a team that looks thin on paper, many Bears players need to step up to eliminate some of the growing concerns ahead of the 2022 season.

Heading into training camp, there are several causes for concern facing the Chicago Bears. Though there are reasons to be optimistic about the future, there aren’t many who have confidence in the Bears this season as they kickstart their rebuild under Ryan Poles.

Despite a total tear down of the front office and coaching staff, there’s a lot of work to be done to get Chicago back to playing “Bears football.” With a team that looks plenty thin on paper, many players need to step up to eliminate some of the growing concerns ahead of the 2022 season.

Here are some causes for concern as the Bears prepare for training camp:

How many roster spots are up for grabs as Bears enter training camp?

Here’s a closer look at the roster locks and the roster spots still available as the Bears approach training camp in 2022.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp, where players will gather at Halas Hall on July 26. Chicago will have to trim that roster from 90 to 53 players by the end of the preseason.

With a new regime in place — and plenty of movement on the roster — there aren’t many players are guaranteed a roster spot. That should make for plenty of competition this summer, whether it’s for starting jobs and/or roster spots.

But there are a handful of players who appear to be locks for the Bears’ 53-man roster, even at this point of the summer.

Here’s a closer look at the roster locks and the roster spots still available as the Bears approach training camp in 2022:

5 reasons for optimism as Bears prepare for training camp

While there are people already writing the Bears off, there are reasons to be excited about this team in 2022.

Heading into training camp, there are many people already writing the Chicago Bears off in 2022. After missing the playoffs with a 6-11 record last season, there’s a lot that has to change for Chicago to get back to the playoffs.

Despite being in a rebuild, there are reasons to be optimistic for the 2022 season. The future has the potential to be bright, with first-year general manager Ryan Poles at the helm. While there are questions about both sides of the ball, there are reasons to be excited about this upcoming season.

Here are five reasons for optimism as the Bears prepare for training camp:

Bears 2022 training camp preview: Interior defensive line

We’re taking a look at the Bears defensive line ahead of training camp and examining the biggest question facing the position group.

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, so it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

This time we’re looking at the interior defensive line. Historically a strength of the Bears, this year’s position group gives cause for concern. Many current players on the roster either haven’t played in a 4-3 since college or are not 4-3 defensive linemen.

The most significant signing this offseason was Justin Jones at three-technique after the failed physical of Larry Ogunjobi. Jones fits the mold of the linemen previously mentioned. He’s a 3-4 defensive tackle being asked to play in a 4-3.

Most of the defensive linemen on the roster will have low sack totals and low-pressure rates. It’s a combination of playing interior defensive line and playing in a system where linemen are asked to take on blocks, not penetrate and make disruptive plays.

Let’s look at the interior defensive line heading into training camp.

10 under-the-radar Bears players to watch during training camp

While all eyes will be on some of the bigger names on the Bears roster, here are some under-the-radar players to watch in training camp.

The Chicago Bears kick off training camp in a couple of weeks, where there will be plenty of players fighting for a roster spot and looking to contribute in 2022.

There will no doubt be the big names everyone will be watching — including Justin Fields, David Montgomery, Darnell Mooney, Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson. Even top rookie selections Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker and Velus Jones Jr.

But there are a handful of players who also bear watching when Chicago kicks off camp — those players who will be competing for a roster spot and/or starting job.

While all eyes will be on some of the bigger names, here’s a list of some under-the-radar players to watch during training camp.

6 Bears players who need to have a great training camp

With a new regime in place, very few players are guaranteed their starting roles from last year. Here are 6 Bears who need a solid 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.

Bears 2022 training camp preview: Tight ends

We’re taking a look at the Bears tight ends ahead of training camp and examining the biggest question facing the position group.

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

We’re continuing with the tight end position, which experienced an overhaul this offseason following the departures of Jimmy Graham, Jesse James, J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted and an influx of new talent under general manager Ryan Poles.

Cole Kmet remains the only tight end on the roster from a year ago, where he’ll be the featured guy for the Bears offense. Kmet is coming off an encouraging second season, but he’s looking to finally break out in a pivotal Year 3.

Let’s take a look at the quarterbacks heading into training camp:

One player to watch at each offensive position group heading into Bears training camp

Here is one player to watch at each offensive position group at Bears training camp.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp, where there are plenty of questions surrounding this team, especially on the offensive side of the football.

That has a lot to do with the development of quarterback Justin Fields, who’s entering a pivotal second season amid questions about his wide receivers and offensive line.

There are no shortage of players to watch when training camp kicks off, from new acquisitions to young guys looking to make an impact in 2022.

With that in mind, here’s one player to watch at each offensive position group at Bears training camp:

Bears 2022 training camp preview: Wide receivers

We’re taking a look at the Bears wide receivers ahead of training camp and examining the biggest question facing the position group.

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

We continue with the wide receivers, who are either going to shock people or be very underwhelming. There’s no in-between. With the loss of Allen Robinson this offseason, Darnell Mooney will officially be the top wide receiver for Justin Fields. With the quiet addition of Byron Pringle and the selection of rookie Velus Jones Jr, there are many questions going into training camp.

This is arguably the weakest wide receiver room the Bears have had since 2017. Still, before counting out this group, they need to play on the field. We’ll get a taste of that during training camp.

Let’s take a look at the wide receivers heading into training camp.