The Chicago Bears know they can’t keep leaning on aging veterans forever. Guys like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan can only carry the defense for so much longer. They need some younger guys to step up. Preferably from the 2020 draft class which will be coming into its critical second season. The good news? They already have one good player established in the form of Jaylon Johnson.
He figures to be their top cornerback moving forward. The question is can the team get anybody else to take the next step? Early impressions suggest this might be the case. Fifth round pick Kindle Vildor stood out constantly in drills according to multiple reports. Enough to where many think he’ll challenge veteran Desmond Trufant for the starting spot opposite Johnson. If that weren’t enough, he’s not the only 5th rounder who stood out according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic.
Don’t forget about Trevis Gipson.
“Quinn’s lack of participation resulted in more work for Jeremiah Attaochu and Trevis Gipson, who are in an underrated competition for playing time.
During minicamp, Gipson appeared to be bigger and also moved faster in drills. As a rookie last year, he made the transition from being a hand-in-the-dirt lineman in college to an upright outside linebacker.”
The Bears showed their interest in Gipson from the beginning when they traded their 2021 pick in the 4th round for an extra 5th round pick in 2021. From the Minnesota Vikings, no less. They felt the Tulsa defensive end had the building blocks for a legitimate pass rusher. It was just something that might take some time. He’d have to learn a new position and reconstruct his body to fit it. That is what his rookie year and this offseason were spent doing.
Based on Jahns’ comments, he’s found success in that regard. In fact, there were signs even last season that Gipson was starting to get it. He just didn’t have a lot of opportunities on the field. Given what is going on with Quinn and the fact the Bears coaches openly said they plan to cut down his snaps this season. It is the perfect opportunity for the second-year man to make some noise.
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Rookie 5th round pick Trevis Gipson has played 67 snaps this season and gotten to rush the passer on only about 35 or so of those but this is a rep to be proud of. Beats Tunsil clean inside to force Watson off his spot. pic.twitter.com/HmGlk8aKyE
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 31, 2020
Chicago Bears will see where Gipson is at this August
Looking bigger and quicker in drills is a good first step. However, the real test is yet to come. Gipson must show it in pads. That is where he failed too often as a rookie. He never stood out much in training camp and it was a big reason why the coaching staff chose to keep him deactivate for half the season. If he wants playing time, he’ll have to earn it by winning his battles in pass rush drills and scrimmages.
The Chicago Bears made sure to not let him get complacent either. They signed Jeremiah Attaochu in free agency. He’s established himself as a steady, dependable rotational rusher for the past few years with the Broncos and Chargers. Then for good measure, they signed Charles Snowden as an undrafted free agent. Somebody who has way more talent than his non-drafted status suggests.
There will be no handouts for Gipson.
Then again that isn’t anything new. He’s been doing things the hard way during most of his football career. This is just another hurdle to overcome for him. If anything, that is exactly why the Bears were drawn to him in the first place. They love acquiring players with a chip on their shoulder. Guys who will put in the time to be great. Gipson seems prepared to take his best shot just over four weeks from now.
