What’s the classic saying? You don’t know what you got until it’s gone. NFL fans didn’t realize how much they appreciated the preseason until it was taken away from them in 2020. Sure the games are exhibitions and not played at nearly the same level of quality as the regular season. Yet it’s still actual football being played. It’s a chance to view their favorite players in action for the first time in months and also evaluate others on the roster. They get to watch training camp battles play out in real-time. The Chicago Bears certainly have a few subplots waiting for them in August.

One can never say the preseason doesn’t matter. More than a few Bears players have used it to great benefit in recent years. Just look at 2019 for a reminder. Going into it, nobody knew who guys like Jesper Horsted and James Vaughters were. Just two undrafted players who were likely camp bodies. Then Horsted posted 121 yards and two spectacular TD catches while Vaughters racked up three sacks. Both have been on the roster since.

The preseason can matter in a number of different ways. It’s another platform players can use to showcase themselves. So who on this latest Bears roster could benefit the most from a standout performance during that three-week stretch?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCYiU5MI1I&t=15s&ab_channel=DanWiedererDanWiederer

A good preseason would greatly boost these Chicago Bears

Justin Fields

Can a quarterback job be won in the preseason? Ask Russell Wilson. Not a single person thought the rookie 3rd round pick had a shot of winning the Seattle Seahawks job in 2012 over the highly-paid Matt Flynn. Then he threw five touchdowns that preseason. The rest is history. Fields has a chance to make the same sort of statement.

Everybody knows the 11th overall pick is the Bears’ future. That isn’t in question. It’s a matter of when that happens. Head coach Matt Nagy has remained steadfast that Andy Dalton will be the starter this season. The goal is to give Fields as much time as possible to acclimate to the NFL level before throwing him into the fire. A dominating preseason performance could change a lot of minds about his readiness.

Chris Lacy

One thing the Bears are lacking on offense is capable big receivers. Allen Robinson is obviously a stud. Beyond him though? Nobody they employ who is above 6’0 has managed to stand out. Javon Wims floundered last season despite multiple opportunities. Riley Ridley hasn’t made a strong enough impression to get more playing time as well. Lacy already has a good first impression in his favor, having performed ably during a tryout at rookie minicamps last week.

https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/991479924174262272

The 6’3 receiver has bounced around a number of different teams including Detroit and Dallas. Thus far he’s only gotten a few opportunities to play. This despite evidence that he is quite proficient at winning those touch 50/50 balls. If he showcases that prowess while adding some other highlights in the preseason like special teams or run blocking? He’ll crack the roster.

Thomas Schaffer

One area that suffered a bit this offseason for the Chicago Bears defense was their defensive end position. Both Roy Robertson-Harris and Brent Urban departed for other teams. That took a toll on their depth. At the same time, it opens up an opportunity for others to step into the void left behind. As of now, the Bears have three locks to make the roster in Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, and Mario Edwards Jr.

The odds favor them carrying four into the regular season this year. That leaves one spot up for grabs. Veteran Angelo Blackson is the likely favorite, but it’s not a guarantee. Schaffer is somebody worth watching. He really started to come on last season at Stanford with three sacks in six games. His 6’7 frame is ideal for a 3-4 end. If he can show more of that disruptive ability he flashed in 2020, he’ll turn heads at Halas Hall.

Charles Snowden

Age is starting to become a factor at outside linebacker for the Bears. Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn are both in their 30s. There’s no telling how long either of them has left and their performances last season could best be calling underwhelming. The search has to begin for the next generation of pass rushers for this team. Snowden is a name that already has the attention of many.

For as much as I like the #Bears’ draft class, it’s crazy that it was one of their UDFAs who was the third-highest ranked addition on my big board.

Virginia LB/EDGE Charles Snowden has insane physical upside. Could be a preseason standout this year. pic.twitter.com/Giix4fJpLv

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 4, 2021

Rightfully so. The 6’7 kid from Virginia flashed tons of potential. He’s got the athleticism of a basketball player mixed with length and quickness. What isn’t yet known with Snowden is whether he has the necessary power for the NFL level. The preseason will be a great opportunity for him to provide an answer. If it is yes? Chicago has every reason to keep the undrafted free agent around as a developmental project.

Kindle Vildor

All the talk lately about the Chicago Bears cornerback position centers on new arrivals like Desmond Trufant or Thomas Graham Jr. Even Duke Shelley has gotten some attention. It’s surprising that Vildor was forgotten so fast. Especially since the Bears traded up to get him last year and he seemed to steadily improve over the course of last season. With so much uncertainty at that position, one would be wise not to dismiss him just yet.

Vildor had some nice moments over the final few games of 2020. This despite having to face a brutal slate of wide receivers including Davante Adams and Michael Thomas. Vildor has the tools necessary to be a starter in the NFL. If he can show any sort of progress in the preseason, it wouldn’t be a shock if he pushed for one of those open starting slots.