The pads go on for the first time today at training camp. This will mark a big opportunity for every Chicago Bears rookie to start making a big impression. On a roster that is this talented, it could be a challenge to get playing time on this team. That’s why the sense of urgency will be that much greatest for every draft pick and undrafted free agent to produce big plays in practice. They have to force coaches to notice them.
At least one name though hasn’t bothered to wait that long. If a person were to ask which Bears draft pick was making the biggest impression thus far, most would probably say 3rd round pick David Montgomery. It’s the obvious choice given he’s their highest pick. The truth is stranger than fiction though. It would appear the man that is becoming harder and harder to ignore is 6th round cornerback Duke Shelley.
It started back in minicamps and OTAs. There was a consistent buzz that Shelley was playing far above his draft status. Something scouts had warned would possibly be the case. They said Shelley likely would’ve been picked higher if not for an untimely injury at Kansas State last season. It would appear evidence has continued piling up backing that statement.
Duke Shelley wants to go from Chicago Bears rookie to starter
One thing about Shelley is his path to a starting job isn’t as steep as one might think. The Bears signed veteran Buster Skrine with the intent of becoming their new slot cornerback to replace the departed Bryce Callahan. Odds are it will be that way to start the season, barring an injury. However, don’t think for a second that Skrine is guaranteed the job. Nothing is guaranteed on this team. The best players play.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Shelley may be willing to wait his turn, but that doesn’t mean he intends to wait long. His play on the practice field seems to reflect that thinking. He will make a pest of himself as much as possible until the coaches have no choice but to get him in the game. If he ends up becoming the starter at some point, this would mark the fourth time in five drafts that GM Ryan Pace was able to find a starter for his team in the 5th round or later.
A remarkable feat to say the least. It should be entertaining to see how this unexpected camp battle continues to develop.
