The Chicago Bears will get their entire roster together for the first time this week as the first set of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin. While not as physical as training camp will be, it is still an important moment in the calendar. Don’t think for a second that coaches won’t measure players on what they can offer the team. The depth chart will be shuffled based on their performance in these practices. Just ask Braxton Jones. His standout play in last year’s OTAs led to him stealing the starting left tackle job.
That leads to an interesting question. Who stands to gain the most from good performances in these practices this year? Who also has the most to lose? Here are names to watch on both sides and why.
Chicago Bears with the most to gain in OTAs:
WR Tyler Scott
The top three spots at wide receiver appear set with D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool. However, the fourth spot appears wide open. Velus Jones is likely penciled in as the favorite for now. Considering how little he contributed in the passing game last year, that isn’t saying much. Scott has to get past him, Dante Pettis and Equanimeous St. Brown to secure it. The rookie has more than enough speed and route running skill to overcome all of them, building momentum for what’s to come.
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QB Tyson Bagent
Justin Fields is the undisputed starter at quarterback. After that, things get murky. P.J. Walker appears secure as the backup, while Nathan Peterman returned as the third string. Bagent was outstanding in college. He has size, a good arm, and throws with accuracy. He looked sharp at the Senior Bowl too. There is enough talent there for him to unseat Peterman for the third spot, at least. That would give him a guaranteed practice squad position with an opportunity to go after Walker if the Bears like him enough.
K Andre Szmyt
Cairo Santos missed some untimely kicks last year. It was enough for the Bears to bring in some competition in Szmyt, an undrafted rookie from Syracuse. This isn’t a normal camp body, though. Szmyt has talent. He boasts a strong leg and hit 81% of his field goals in college, which is really good for that level. Some will say he’s better suited to kick in Chicago than Santos is. The veteran isn’t on thin ice yet, but that could change quickly if the rookie shines in OTAs and he doesn’t.
Most to lose:
RB D’Onta Foreman
When he signed as a free agent in March, most people felt Foreman was an obvious replacement for David Montgomery. He has a strong running style and a reliable track record to back it up. However, his status changed when the Chicago Bears drafted Roschon Johnson. The Texas running back brings a similar running style while also being a good pass-catcher and pass-protector. Some already predict Johnson will threaten for the starting job. That means Foreman better bring his best when practices start.
C Cody Whitehair
Once it became clear Teven Jenkins was shifting to right guard, everybody knew Whitehair was destined for a return to center. It makes sense. He plays his best football there. That said, handing him the job outright would be premature. The Bears still have Lucas Patrick returning to compete with him. He played well in the middle before he got hurt last year. There is also former 6th rounder Doug Kramer to consider. Don’t forget Whitehair suffered from frequent snapping issues. If those resurface, his hold on the job may slip.
LB Jack Sanborn
Probably one of the most pleasant surprises of last season. Sanborn was excellent at filling in after Roquan Smith was traded to Baltimore. Sadly his year ended with an injury, and in that time, the Bears found a new middle linebacker in Tremaine Edmunds. That means Sanborn must shift to SAM linebacker, which is a very different position. Making matters even tougher is the arrival of rookie Noah Sewell who figures to be some stiff competition for that spot. The 5th round pick was already making plays in rookie minicamps.
