Previewing Chicago Bears’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

Previewing Chicago Bears’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Clyde A. Speller

July 24, 2015

Previewing Chicago Bears’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

Chicago Bears-Jared Allen and Jermon Bushrod training camp — In less than a week, the Chicago Bears and the rest of the teams in the NFL will finally hit the field and start preparing for the 2015 season. The Bears will start this year’s camp under a new regime, in hopes to turn things around from their disappointing 5-11 record from last season. In order to do so, Chicago is going to have to evaluate the entire roster and play the right personnel. Here’s the breakdown of the Bears’ training camp.

In less than a week, the Chicago Bears and the rest of the teams in the NFL will finally hit the field and start preparing for the 2015 season. The Bears will start this year’s camp under a new regime, in hopes to turn things around from their disappointing 5-11 record from last season. In order to do so, Chicago is going to have to evaluate the entire roster and play the right personnel. Here’s the breakdown of the Bears’ training camp.

Start and Finish of Training Camp

Chicago Bears-huddle at training camp

Start and Finish of Training Camp

Chicago Bears-huddle at training camp — All of the Bears’ rookies and veterans will report to training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. on July 29, and practice will begin on July 30. Chicago will play only one preseason game while in camp, which will be against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 13. The Bears will then leave Bourbonnais on Aug. 16.

All of the Bears’ rookies and veterans will report to training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. on July 29, and practice will begin on July 30. Chicago will play only one preseason game while in camp, which will be against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 13. The Bears will then leave Bourbonnais on Aug. 16.

Quarterbacks

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler OTAs

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Quarterbacks

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler OTAs — Chicago’s situation at quarterback really doesn’t bring any controversy. There is no doubt that Jay Cutler will be the starting QB under center for the duration of camp heading into Week 1 of the regular season. The Bears re-signed Jimmy Clausen to be Cutler’s backup. Second-year QB David Fales appears to be Clausen’s only competition, but not by much. This leaves undrafted rookie Shane Carden as the odd man out.

Chicago’s situation at quarterback really doesn’t bring any controversy. There is no doubt that Jay Cutler will be the starting QB under center for the duration of camp heading into Week 1 of the regular season. The Bears re-signed Jimmy Clausen to be Cutler’s backup. Second-year QB David Fales appears to be Clausen’s only competition, but not by much. This leaves undrafted rookie Shane Carden as the odd man out.

Running Backs

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte OTAs

Running Backs

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte OTAs — Matt Forte’s position as the Bears' starting running back is etched in stone. After that, things get a bit interesting. The No. 2 RB spot will be a battle between Ka’Deem Carey and rookie Jeremy Langford. Newly-acquired free agent Jacquizz Rodgers will be a good fit as a third-down back, as well as a return man. With a crowded backfield, Senorise Perry’s best chance to make the 53-man roster is on special teams.

Matt Forte’s position as the Bears' starting running back is etched in stone. After that, things get a bit interesting. The No. 2 RB spot will be a battle between Ka’Deem Carey and rookie Jeremy Langford. Newly-acquired free agent Jacquizz Rodgers will be a good fit as a third-down back, as well as a return man. With a crowded backfield, Senorise Perry’s best chance to make the 53-man roster is on special teams.

Wide Receivers

Chicago Bears-Alshon Jeffery training camp

Wide Receivers

Chicago Bears-Alshon Jeffery training camp — The No. 1 wide receiver spot now belongs to Alshon Jeffery. There’s a good chance that rookie Kevin White will be inserted into the starting lineup as the No. 2 WR, while eight-year veteran Eddie Royal should be the leading candidate to occupy the slot over Marquess Wilson, who could give Royal a run for his money.

The No. 1 wide receiver spot now belongs to Alshon Jeffery. There’s a good chance that rookie Kevin White will be inserted into the starting lineup as the No. 2 WR, while eight-year veteran Eddie Royal should be the leading candidate to occupy the slot over Marquess Wilson, who could give Royal a run for his money.

Tight Ends

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett training camp

Tight Ends

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett training camp — The Bears’ offense will continue to have Martellus Bennett as one of their big targets in the passing game. Behind the Pro Bowler, there are six other tight ends who will be fighting for potentially two other tight end spots on the roster. All eyes will be on veterans Zach Miller, Bear Pascoe and Dante Rosario during this heated battle.

The Bears’ offense will continue to have Martellus Bennett as one of their big targets in the passing game. Behind the Pro Bowler, there are six other tight ends who will be fighting for potentially two other tight end spots on the roster. All eyes will be on veterans Zach Miller, Bear Pascoe and Dante Rosario during this heated battle.

Offensive Line

Chicago Bears-Kyle Long and Jordan Mills

Offensive Line

Chicago Bears-Kyle Long and Jordan Mills — Heading into camp, Chicago’s starting offensive line is almost set. Jermon Bushrod (LT), Matt Slauson (LG) and Will Montgomery (C) are the easy predictions along the O-line. The big question is if Pro Bowler Kyle Long will play right guard or right tackle. If Long plays RG, then Jordan Mills will once again start at RT. If Long replaces Mills at RT, then we could see a good battle involving rookie Hroniss Grasu, Ryan Groy and Vladimir Ducasse.

Heading into camp, Chicago’s starting offensive line is almost set. Jermon Bushrod (LT), Matt Slauson (LG) and Will Montgomery (C) are the easy predictions along the O-line. The big question is if Pro Bowler Kyle Long will play right guard or right tackle. If Long plays RG, then Jordan Mills will once again start at RT. If Long replaces Mills at RT, then we could see a good battle involving rookie Hroniss Grasu, Ryan Groy and Vladimir Ducasse.

Defensive Line

Chicago Bears-Ego Ferguson training camp

Defensive Line

Chicago Bears-Ego Ferguson training camp — Newcomer Jarvis Jenkins probably has the only certain spot along the D-line at defensive end. As for the nose tackle and other defensive end spot, things are up in the air. Jeremiah Ratliff seems to be the favorite to fill in at NT, but rookie Eddie Goldman could surprise many. As for the other DE spot, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton and Cornelius Washington could be in the mix to start opposite Jenkins.

Newcomer Jarvis Jenkins probably has the only certain spot along the D-line at defensive end. As for the nose tackle and other defensive end spot, things are up in the air. Jeremiah Ratliff seems to be the favorite to fill in at NT, but rookie Eddie Goldman could surprise many. As for the other DE spot, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton and Cornelius Washington could be in the mix to start opposite Jenkins.

Linebackers

Chicago Bears-Jon Bostic, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young OTAs

Linebackers

Chicago Bears-Jon Bostic, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young OTAs — With a new 3-4 alignment, the outside linebacker battle will be interesting. Pernell McPhee's big contract virtually guarantees him a spot as a starter. Former DEs Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young just might headline the biggest battle in camp for the other OLB spot. Inside, it’s safe to say that Jon Bostic and Mason Foster will have the starting spots sewn up, while Christian Jones and Shea McClellin will fight for playing time.

With a new 3-4 alignment, the outside linebacker battle will be interesting. Pernell McPhee's big contract virtually guarantees him a spot as a starter. Former DEs Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young just might headline the biggest battle in camp for the other OLB spot. Inside, it’s safe to say that Jon Bostic and Mason Foster will have the starting spots sewn up, while Christian Jones and Shea McClellin will fight for playing time.

Cornerbacks

Chicago Bears-Kyle Fuller OTAs

Cornerbacks

Chicago Bears-Kyle Fuller OTAs — Last year’s first-round pick Kyle Fuller seems to be the team’s best cornerback. Veteran Tim Jennings will get more than a fair chance to redeem himself from a disappointing 2014. The big battle will be for nickleback will be among Alan Ball, Demontre Hurst, Al Louis-Jean, Sherrick McManis and Tracy Porter.

Last year’s first-round pick Kyle Fuller seems to be the team’s best cornerback. Veteran Tim Jennings will get more than a fair chance to redeem himself from a disappointing 2014. The big battle will be for nickleback will be among Alan Ball, Demontre Hurst, Al Louis-Jean, Sherrick McManis and Tracy Porter.

Safeties

Chicago Bears-Ryan Mundy training camp

Safeties

Chicago Bears-Ryan Mundy training camp — Ryan Mundy and Antrel Rolle just might be the most solid safety duo the Bears have had in years. Brock Vereen and rookie Adrian Amos should be the primary backups to Chicago’s starting safeties.

Ryan Mundy and Antrel Rolle just might be the most solid safety duo the Bears have had in years. Brock Vereen and rookie Adrian Amos should be the primary backups to Chicago’s starting safeties.

Special Teams

Chicago Bears-Robbie Gould OTAs

Special Teams

Chicago Bears-Robbie Gould OTAs — Kicker Robbie Gould and punter Pat O’Donnell are the only players at their respective positions, and they won’t have to worry about anyone breathing down their necks. Thomas Gafford was brought in to be the team’s long snapper. Gafford’s seven years of experience should be enough to beat out undrafted rookie Rick Lovato. Marc Mariani made a name for himself late last season, and could be the primary kick or punt returner, along with Rodgers.

Kicker Robbie Gould and punter Pat O’Donnell are the only players at their respective positions, and they won’t have to worry about anyone breathing down their necks. Thomas Gafford was brought in to be the team’s long snapper. Gafford’s seven years of experience should be enough to beat out undrafted rookie Rick Lovato. Marc Mariani made a name for himself late last season, and could be the primary kick or punt returner, along with Rodgers.

Biggest Camp Battles

Chicago Bears-Marquess Wilson training camp

Biggest Camp Battles

Chicago Bears-Marquess Wilson training camp — Although there will be competition at the slot WR spot, that may garner very little attention. Backup RB will be vital, since the Bears should have a heavier dose of the running game this year. However, the biggest battles for starting spots will take place on the defensive side of the ball, with outside linebacker, defensive end and nose tackle. The selections for those positions in the new 3-4 may dictate the success of Chicago’s defense.

Although there will be competition at the slot WR spot, that may garner very little attention. Backup RB will be vital, since the Bears should have a heavier dose of the running game this year. However, the biggest battles for starting spots will take place on the defensive side of the ball, with outside linebacker, defensive end and nose tackle. The selections for those positions in the new 3-4 may dictate the success of Chicago’s defense.

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