Predicting Every Chicago Bears Starter and Next Man Up

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Jun 14, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) warms up during mini-camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebackers

LILB

1. Jerrell Freeman- This is obviously the position in Chicago that has changed the most and Freeman is one of the reasons. Freeman was a free agent acquisition after he couldn’t come to terms with the Indianapolis Colts. Freeman knows how to make plays, can play against both the run and the pass and should make an impact each and every Sunday for Chicago.

2. Nick Kwiatkoski- Kwiatkoski was one of the Bears fourth round picks this year and has the potential to become a fan favorite in Chicago. Kwiatkoski is going to have to make a name for himself on special teams while he bulks up and learns to read NFL offenses, but he’s a smart player with a great motor that Bears fans will enjoy watching.

RILB

1. Danny Trevathan- Trevathan was Fox and Pace’s prize acquisition this offseason. The Bears linebacking corps went from one of their biggest problems to biggest strengths in one offseason and Trevathan is the biggest reason why. He was a key contributor for the Denver Broncos tremendous Super Bowl-winning defense last year and John Elway would have been happy to keep him if his price tag wasn’t so high. Trevathan should be an impact player this year and years to come for Chicago.

2. Christian Jones- Jones started for the Bears at ILB last season and proved he could handle the position. He’s lost his starting spot to the Freeman/Trevathan combination but he is still hopeful to make the roster and contribute. Jones has played OLB in the past as well and the Bears will work him at multiple linebacking positions and see if he can be a rotational player at multiple spots. Jones has also been a good special teams player in the past and could see his snap count increase there as well.

Player to Watch: Jon Anderson- Anderson was an undrafted rookie last season out of TCU and helped the defense out at its thinnest position tallying 31 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. The position is loaded this season and Anderson might not be able to break through, but he has the talent to play on an NFL roster, but whether he can crack the Bears is up for debate.

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