Training camp normally offers an opportunity for certain players to break out, while others get to reaffirm their place on their respective rosters. For the Chicago Bears, this year’s training camp provides plenty of opportunity for young players to take the next leap in their career to be leaders of the offense behind quarterback Caleb Williams, while others hope their versatility can convince head coach Ben Johnson to find roles and playing time for them.
Chicago will look to build off their 11-win season, which on defense, was led by a unit that led the league in takeaways, but left plenty to be desired in their performances by giving up too many yards and points throughout the year. Veteran defensive coordinator Dennis Allen dealt with plenty of injuries to his unit, trying to make the most of what he had to work with, and can now hope in his second season to turn around his defense into a premier group.
There will be plenty of new names on the defense, ones that seem to fit the mold for what Allen is looking for, and with training camp right around the corner, here are our five under-the-radar players to watch for during camp and the preseason:
CB Malik Muhammad
The Bears lost Nahshon Wright in free agency this offseason, and with injuries having depleted their secondary last year, they needed more reinforcements for this year. Enter Malik Muhammad, a rookie coming out of the University of Texas, who excels in coverage but can also go out and make plays on the ball when given the opportunity. Muhammad has a chance to earn the No. 2 spot at cornerback if he can beat out veteran Tyrique Stevenson, he could be a surprise featured player in his first season.
LB D’Marco Jackson
Not taking away from anyone else on the Bears defense last season, but D’Marco Jackson may have been the one player who stood out over everyone else. Jackson seems like a natural fit in Allen’s defense, and the two spent time together in New Orleans, and as a veteran depth piece, he may be able to break through and earn more playing time. Jackson was good insurance behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds when they were injured last year, but he’s also earned the right to get more playing time in a defense that he fits in well with.
DE Austin Booker
There is consistent conversation about the defensive line and pass rush of the Bears, but there is real potential with Austin Booker, and he showed real progression in his second season last year. Improving from 1.5 sacks as a rookie to 4.5 last year, Booker could be the piece on the defensive line that’s been missing on the opposite side of Montez Sweat. Chicago has plenty of investment in Dayo Odeyingbo, and while he’s capable of getting a good sack number, he could also open up opportunities for a player like Booker to really make an unexpected impact.
DT Jordan van den Berg
Chicago’s defensive tackles start and end with Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett, for now. Of all the Bears draft picks this season, none has had more excitement around them than Jordan van den Berg, who came out of Georgia Tech and has been praised for his athleticism, flying under-the-radar in college, who has a real opportunity ahead of him. Van den Berg has two good and experienced veterans to learn from, but his athleticism is what may be the key to him finding the field in his first season. It is not often that a sixth-round rookie has a lot of hype or expectations to do much in the NFL, but it seems van den Berg could have plenty of opportunity in front of him.
LB Jack Sanborn
A familiar face has returned to the Windy City this offseason, with Jack Sanborn returning to the Bears after spending just one year with the Dallas Cowboys. Sanborn has battled injuries over the last couple of seasons, but he seemed to find his stride during his final season with Chicago, pushing him to leave for what he thought was a better opportunity in Dallas last season. Similar to how Jackson found opportunity when injuries came up last year, Sanborn could have a chance to patiently find his opportunity and get on the field behind Edwards, Devin Bush, and Jackson. The veteran may also be a key on special teams, which is another way for him to make an impact, no matter if he’s making the highlight reels or not.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 under-the-radar players to watch on defense at Bears training camp
