Training camp kicks off July 22, rookies start July 19—and the air at Halas Hall’s already thick with that sweet, anxious tension. New coach Ben Johnson isn’t sugarcoating anything: this camp’s gonna be a street fight, and whoever shows up with claws out has a shot at glory. No participation medals here — not with Caleb Williams under center and the Windy City’s playoff hopes riding on this roster. Let’s take a look at five position battles that should be an exciting follow to watch in training camp.
1. Left Tackle: Who’s Blocking Caleb’s Blindside?
This isn’t just a roster spot. It’s the most consequential matchup in Chicago since Don’s pie night. On one side, Braxton Jones, the veteran incumbent, fresh off ankle surgery, trying to pick up where he left off. Serviceable? Sure. But elite left tackle material? Not just yet. He posted a PFF grade of 77.4, which ranked him 20th among all tackles in 2024.
Opposite him is Ozzy Trapilo, the rookie phenom — 6’8″, spring drills looking like he’s auditioning to block Godzilla. Two sacks allowed in his final two college seasons at Boston College. That’s video-game level.
Then there’s Kiran Amegadjie, the sleeper cell. He had an ugly debut as a rookie — but he’s got elite metrics and another offseason under his belt. Does a full year under his belt get him ready to take the throne?
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Edge: Jones squeaks by if he’s healthy. But Johnson’s all about merit — show up, prove you’re better, take the job. That’s what Caleb deserves.
2. Backup QB: Seasoned Mentor vs. Hungry Underdog
Behind Caleb, we’ve got Case Keenum, a seasoned journeyman — 11 seasons, 66 starts, brought the Vikes to the NFC title game in 2017. That résumé alone could fill a binder on veteran QB survival.
Squaring off: Tyson Bagent, a late-round, undrafted fighter with grit. Four starts, 860 yards under his belt. Straight shooter, but is that enough against Keenum’s soap opera of experience? Nope. Johnson’s pushing Keenum to run point, mentoring the rookie QB like a wisdom-filled Yoda.
Edge: Keenum takes the vet tag, and Bagent takes the QB2 spot on the depth chart — he’s a valuable trade chip or emergent talent ready to explode.
3. Running Back Room: Who’ll Grab the Snap Count Behind Swift?
D’Andre Swift is the alpha in the backfield, period. But who’s lurking behind him?
- Roschon Johnson (2023 fourth-round pick): red zone dynamo, reliable in pass protection. Coaches love his discipline — but he isn’t lighting it up.
- Kyle Monangai, rookie spark: 1,231 yards, 12 TDs, zero fumbles in college. He’s polished, explosive, and ready to fight for his share.
- Travis Homer = special teams colossus. Not much in the backfield mix, but his gunner skills? Secure.
Edge: It’s Johnson vs. Monangai for RB2, but I’m going with Roschon. Dawg was automatic in the red zone last year and brings a grit this backfield needs.
4. SAM Linebacker: Injury-Prone Vet vs. Rookie With Upside
With the Sanborn sweep to Dallas, this spot’s wide open. Enter Noah Sewell — injury-prone still, but fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds raves about his ethic and body transformation.
Opposite him: Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round surprise pick from Maryland. Scouts drooled over his speed and frame. He’s ready to make people pay for overlooking him.
Edge: Rookie energy vs vet savvy. Give me the raw, freaky athletic upside of Hyppolite, but Sewell’s seasoning with a healthy body is tough to ignore.
5. WR Depth: Who’s Stepping Up Behind the Stars?
Luther Burden III when healthy has secured top billing as WR3. But under that shine? A dogfight for WR4/5.
- Tyler Scott is hanging by a thread — fourth-rounder with 18 catches, no special teams value? You’re on notice, kid.
- Devin Duvernay flips the script: return ace, versatile, spring drills looked fire. Special-teams utility = roster glue.
- Olamide Zaccheaus brings experience and speed to the table — shown flashes in the slot and has the versatility to contribute both on offense and special teams.
Edge: Duvernay and Olamide are locks — their versatility and special teams value punch their tickets. Tyler Scott? He’s on his way out the door unless he pulls off a camp miracle.
Runners-Up to Watch:
- Safety depth: Owens vs. Hicks for the third spot behind Byard/Brisker.
- TE3 slot: Smythe vs. Wilson — hard blocker vs. splash-play hope?
- CB2 opposite Jaylon Johnson: Tyrique Stevenson vs. Terrell Smith. It’s maturity vs. raw talent.
Final Verdict
Camp’s gonna boil down to one word: accountability. Johnson’s motto? Show. Don’t say. If you missed a surgery (like Jones) or mind-boggled during OTAs, the competition doesn’t wait.
We’re watching these five battles for the foundation they’ll set:
- LT – Caleb’s armor
- QB2 – mentorship for the future
- RB2 – balance behind Swift
- SAM LB – defensive versatility
- WR 4/5 – depth and ST impact
Expect shakeups, surprises, maybe even a trade or two if Bagent’s playing. But if Chicago gets any of these right — especially protecting Williams — we’re looking at the blunt end of something interesting.
Buckle up: Halas Hall is about to get rowdy.
