Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Safeties

Oct 26, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Brock Vereen (21) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (1) for a lose in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 34-23. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Camp Questions

Will Chris Conte be able to hold off rookie Brock Vereen for the starting free safety job?

Conte is expected to be back at some point in training camp coming off shoulder surgery.  The question is whether Conte’s bruised ego recovers before his shoulder.  After a horrible 2013, Conte will need to regain his confidence which he lost some time between when Reggie Bush jumped over him or Randall Cobb ran past him.  Conte remains confident no matter what his critics think:

"“Really, I think I bring a lot of to the table,” he said. “The Bears can do what they want to do with me, but I’m confident that I’ll have a spot on this team.”"

Brock Vereen has been turning heads in the offseason program, but everything changes when the pads come on.   The rookie has shown intelligence and the ability to pick up the scheme quickly.  Can he make Chris Conte expendable?

Does Adrian Wilson have anything left in the tank?

The Bears signed Adrian Wilson after the offseason program was complete, probably more to kick the tires and see if the veteran strong safety has anything left in the tank.  Ryan Mundy appears to be headed for the starting SS job, but if Wilson can regain his pre-injury form, he could challenge for a job.  At this point in his career, Wilson isn’t suited for special teams, so he’d have to make the roster as a starter to crack the 53-man roster.