Through the first week of training camp, the story has been the Chicago Bears’ 2023 rookie class. Several have stood out in a positive way. None more so than cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. Their battle for the starting job opposite Jaylon Johnson is among the most intense of camp. Others like Gervon Dexter and undrafted free agent D’Anthony Jones have also stood out. However, one name has steadily garnered praise from several people watching practices despite being overshadowed by others.
That is Noah Sewell. The Bears scooped up the linebacker from Oregon in the 5th round this past April. He was panned for his down year in 2022, along with perceptions that he lacked speed despite rumors he was dealing with injuries throughout the season. None of that has surfaced in camp. Albert Breer of MMQB was impressed at what the linebacker did when he visited Halas Hall this week.
“And they may be even deeper in those spots than they’d anticipated, with a pair of day 3 picks—fourth-round receiver Tyler Scott and fifth-round linebacker Noah Sewell—shining early. Both were way up on Chicago’s board, based on what else was available when they were picked, and both look like hits. Scott showed his speed and solid route-running, and has separated better than he did on his college tape. Sewell, who dipped a bit after a coaching change his last year at Oregon, has proven to be versatile, instinctive and fast for the position, and looks natural out there.”
Breer isn’t the only one. Former Bears fullback Jason McKie singled out Sewell as someone impossible to ignore throughout practice.
The Chicago Bears may give Sewell a legitimate chance.
We already know Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are locked in as starters at linebacker. The remaining uncertainty is the other outside linebacker spot. Assumptions were it would go to Jack Sanborn, the former undrafted free agent who looked great when filling in as a starter last year. Unfortunately for him, he’s been dealing with injuries. First was one that ended his season last year, and now another has kept him out of practice. Sewell has taken full advantage of the extra reps in his absence.
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It is too early to make declarations, but one can make a case that the 5th round pick is now on even ground with Sanborn. Their battle figures to get decided during the preseason. Of course, this is presuming Sanborn returns from his injury in the near future. The longer he’s out, the more likely Sewell seizes control of that spot. Everybody can see the Chicago Bears don’t fear starting rookies on offense or defense. If you earn the job, it’s yours. Give credit to the young man for taking advantage.
