Chicago Bears 2023 Training Camp Preview
The Chicago Bears, while fun to watch last year thanks to the breakout of Justin Fields, were not a very good team in 2022. The Bears finished 3-14, giving them the number one overall pick. They would end up trading that pick to land a true WR1 and added picks. With all their additions in free agency and their picks, what does their roster look like? We will answer that and more in the Chicago Bears 2023 training camp preview.
Three position battles to watch
Starting Running Back: Khalil Herbert vs. D’Onta Foreman
We start the Chicago Bears 2023 training camp preview with a look at who will lead the backfield. All signs were pointing towards Khalil Herbert having the job, but when Chicago signed D’Onta Foreman in free agency, doubts were cast over the idea. Foreman finished with almost 1,000 yards in a committee-style system in Carolina after the Christian McCaffrey trade. Herbert did average 5.7 yards per carry over 129 total carries a year ago, but Foreman is the more proven back.
No. 2 Cornerback: Kyler Gordon vs. Tyrique Stevenson
Jaylon Johnson has CB1 locked down. The question now becomes who plays on the other side of the field from him: Kyler Gordon or Tyrique Stevenson. Gordon finished his rookie year last year on a high note, but that didn’t stop Chicago from trading up to get Stevenson in the second round. Both guys could play the slot if need be, and I believe all three guys will find the field plenty, but it will be interesting to see who wins the job as the primary second Cornerback. Possibly the most interesting position battle in this Chicago Bears training camp preview.
*Tyrique Stevenson is also my rookie to watch*
No. 2 Receiver: Chase Claypool vs. Darnell Mooney
With the aforementioned acquisition of D.J. Moore, we now turn to who is going to play opposite him. The Bears traded a second-round pick for Chase Claypool last year with hopes he would continue his rookie performance. They also have Darnell Mooney, who underperformed as their WR1, even though he was never really designed for that role. Mooney resorting back to his intended role as WR2 would make for a nice pairing with Moore for Justin Fields.
Ready To Breakout/ Fantasy Sleeper: Darnell Mooney
As I mentioned above, Darnell Mooney going back to his WR2 role is going to do wonders for him. He earns both nods for player ready to break out and my fantasy sleeper for the Chicago Bears 2023 training camp preview. Mooney is going as WR55 with an ADP of 130.1. If healthy, and given development with Justin Fields as a passer, Mooney has WR25 potential. Mooney has a 1,000-yard season under his belt, and if things go right, health being one of them, I believe he could find that same success again this year.
