Chicago Bears: 5 Under-The-Radar Players Who Could Explode In 2013

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5. Chris Conte, S

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Chris Conte is a guy that I have been very impressed with early on in the preseason. Conte is entering his third season in the NFL and looks much more comfortable on the field than in years past. Last season, Conte always lined up extremely deep, seemingly being afraid to get burned. In the preseason, Conte appears to be positioning himself much better. He is not playing ridiculously deep so he can help support the run game. Conte has great athletic ability and can use his speed to make up a lot of ground. I think Conte will be one of the most improved players on this team this season.

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4. Michael Ford, RB

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Michael Ford has been one of the most surprising players in all of the NFL this preseason. He has been solid in the backfield for the Bears and great in the return game. There have been many reports saying that the undrafted free agent will make the team for the Bears, and I think he will immediately get some work in the return game. Ford is an electrifying talent that could explode if given the opportunity.

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3. Jordan Mills, RT

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The Bears seem to be ready to start two rookies on the right side of their offensive line. First-round pick Kyle Long will start at right guard. Long has been the talk of the preseason for the Bears as he has been incredible in his first two games. Fifth-round pick Jordan Mills appears to be in line to start for Chicago at right tackle. Mills is a big, strong player that can become a good NFL lineman. His play will be key to the Bears' success on offense this season.

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2. Marquess Wilson, WR

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Seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson is a very talented player. He was productive in college, stands 6-foot-3 and runs a 4.5 40 yard dash. That usually makes for an early-round receiver. Wilson fell to the seventh round because of character concerns. He was suspended by Washington State and subsequently quit the team. Wilson publicly criticized Washington State head coach Mike Leach. Maturity is a concern with Wilson, but if he can keep his head on straight, I expect big things out of the rookie. I think that Wilson lines up as the no. 3 receiver for most of the season behind Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

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1. Corey Wootton, DL

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Corey Wootton has always been a favorite of mine. He had seven sacks last season, and I think he could see that number grow in 2013. At 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, Wootton is a great pass rusher either on the outside or inside. He has a nice array of pass rushing moves that he uses to get to the quarterback. He has very long arms and good length in general. Wootton is a guy to keep an eye on this season, as I think he could really improve and give the Bears another powerful weapon up front.