Let’s take a look at nine Bears players that are unlikely to survive those pre-training camp cuts ahead of Tuesday’s report date.
There have been a number of obstacles that the Chicago Bears have had to deal with during this unconventional offseason amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether that’s an entirely virtual offseason or absence of a preseason, which is a blow to late-round draft picks, undrafted free agents and other players looking to make an NFL roster.
As that wasn’t a big blow, NFLPA leadership informed players that rosters will be trimmed from 90 to 80 to start training camp. Which means the Bears need to cut 10 players by next Tuesday.
Chicago already parted ways with tight end Ben Braunecker on Thursday. Now they need to cut nine players ahead of Tuesday.
Let’s take a look at nine players that are in danger of being released by the Bears ahead of training camp.
S Kentrell Brice
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With a crop of veteran safeties ahead of him, Kentrell Brice faces an uphill battle to lock down a roster spot. Eddie Jackson and Tashaun Gipson will likely be the starting safeties, with returning Bears Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston Carson serving as depth. And Brice, who was undrafted out of Louisiana Tech, might not make it to training camp given guys like free-agent addition Jordan Lucas and Sherrick McManis, both who bring more as special teams contributors.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Duke defensive line prospect Trevon McSwain
If your favorite NFL team is looking for an under-the-radar defensive line prospect in this year’s draft, Duke’s Trevon McSwain has all the traits to be one of this year’s best bargain picks in the defensive trenches.
An experienced, disruptive defender, McSwain recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his all-star experience, what about his skill set sets him apart, and how playing for the Blue Devils prepared him for the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl?
TM: It was an amazing experience. All of the guys were so great out there. The coaching staff was fantastic. They gave us some great in-sight into what the NFL is like and what’s expected of you as a pro. I feel like they gave me the knowledge necessary for me to go have a long career.
JM: For our readers who are still getting familiar with you, how would you describe your skill set?
TM: I’m a quick and agile defensive linemen. I’m a big guy, but I can really move. I play fast and physical.
JM: What do you enjoy more: Playing as a run stopper, or getting after the quarterback?
TM: Playing in the run game is fun, because there’s some grittiness to it. It’s an excellent way to test an opponent’s will. At the end of the day, I’d definitely side with playing in the passing game, though.
(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
JM: You prefer to get after the quarterback. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
TM: I’m a quick defensive linemen that’s going to try and beat you off the ball. I’m gonna play fast and physical from the whistle. I enjoy working the edge, as well. I’m that type of pass rusher.
JM: How much of being a successful pass rusher is accomplished pre-snap?
TM: I would say a good bit of that is accomplished pre-snap. Pre-snap awareness is huge. If you’re able to identify a play before the snap, the advantage is in your favor. It’s important to know and understand your opponent’s tendencies. Is he the kind of guy that lunges at you? I’d say about 70% of a successful pass rushing rep is accomplished pre-snap.
JM: Playing at Duke afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best talent around the nation. Who are some offensive linemen that stood out to you?
TM: I wouldn’t say that I can single out any offensive linemen in particular, to be honest with you. I pay closer to attention to the offensive scheme in general. I moved around our defensive line so much that I had a great vantage point. Scheme-wise, I thought that Clemson and Notre Dame were very impressive. Those would be my top two.
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
JM: I know you’ve had so many great teammates throughout your time at Duke, but I’m gonna put you on the spot. If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?
TM: I would have to go with Chris Rumph II. If you take a look at him, he may appear a little underweight, but he can hold his own out there. He’s a snappy little guy (laughs). We moved him all over the place. He’s listed as a defensive end, but we played him at linebacker in certain sub-packages. He played as a stand-up rusher, as well.
JM: How did your time at Duke prepare you for what’s next?
TM: I feel like they really taught me the game of football. Our defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator coach [Ben] Albert really taught me so much from a defensive perspective. He taught me how to really watch film and take notes on the opponent’s tendencies. He helped me identify little subtle hints that tip off which way an offensive linemen’s kick-slide is gonna go. I learned what I should be looking for pre-snap.
I played as a scout for the offense during my freshmen year. That gave me a lot of time to look at the offense. It allowed me to learn and understand what they look for. I felt like a double agent there for a bit (laughs). There was a time where I actually switched over and practiced as an offensive tackle. I never played in a game as an offensive tackle but I spent some time there during camp. I ended up sticking at defensive tackle but I got to look at things from the perspective of the offense. It still gave me some great in-sight into what they do.
JM: What kind of impact is Trevon McSwain going to make at the next level?
TM: Hopefully, I’m going to make a very large impact. I’m making sure that I’m treating my body the best way that I can. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. I’m just soaking it all in. I’m learning everything I can. I’m doing a lot of learning right now. Hopefully, I’ll be making plays all over the place.
