Chicago Bears 2022 Training Camp Preview
The 2022 Chicago Bears look pretty bleak. Let’s breakdown a lackluster roster that just experienced an almost complete teardown with a new regime led by another general manager named Ryan and a head coach named Matt as they enter training camp.
Three Position Battles to Watch
Wide Receiver No. 2: Velus Jones Jr. (R), Byron Pringle, Dazz Newsome, N’Keal Harry
It is absolutely mind blowing that N’Keal Harry will most likely not only make this roster but has a chance to be their No. 2 wide receiver! Darnell Mooney is the best wide receiver on this team, but for options two through five, it’s difficult to see much difference. Which is saying something considering there is a sixth-round pick who saw four targets last season, a 25-year-old rookie, and a former first-round pick on this squad. I am praying for Justin Fields.
Center: Lucas Patrick, Sam Mustipher
What might be worse than the weapons on this team? The offensive line! This battle at center might be one of the most important ones. The Bears brought in Lucas Patrick from the Green Bay Packers to compete with their starting center from last year in Sam Mustipher. Both are better pass protectors than run blockers, and Patrick played all three interior offensive line positions, so if he loses the center battle, I can easily see him kicking out to right guard.
EDGE: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Mario Edwards Jr, Trevis Gipson
The way I see this one shaking out is more of a rotation with Al-Quadin Muhammad playing more of the early down and run defender role while Gipson and Edwards play more of the passing situations and third down reps. So there really won’t be a true winner, but rather roles for each of these three players.
Ready To Breakout: Teven Jenkins
I loved Jenkins during the draft process, then injuries and switching positions held him back in his rookie season. Given a full offseason and a competition to light a fire under him, he is in a great position to breakout.
Rookie To Watch: Kyler Gordon
This was tough between Gordon and Jaquan Brisker as both defensive backs are in a position to start. Gordon only has to beat out Duke Shelley to be a starting corner. Also, Gordon didn’t allow a touchdown in nearly 700 coverage snaps in his college career. I had Jaylon Johnson in this same position for his rookie year, and I’m keeping the corner trend going with Gordon.
Fantasy Sleeper: Khalil Herbert
Herbert played very well in a stretch from Week 5 to Week 8. Now he’s the clear second running back in this backfield and can see a solid number of touches in both carries and receptions. On a team without much excitement, their running back duo is one of the few bright spots.
