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Five bench players who can win a starting job by the end of the year

By Parker Hurley

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Mitch Trubisky
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Mitch Trubisky /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard of Florida participates in a drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard of Florida participates in a drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Jonathan Bullard

Bullard not only has the talent to be a starter, he has the talent to be a breakout player in this defense. He is the piece they are missing next to Akiem Hicks, and Eddie Goldman. However, last season it looked like the mental side of the game and the processing were what was slowing him down.

When he knew what he was doing, he did with speed, burst, power, and explosion. Still, the team was not ready to hand him a job after a year where he could not beat out Mitch Unrein for a starting job. The Bears signed Jaye Howard as an insurance piece and a potential starter at defensive end. Still, Howard has a bad hip, and it was enough for the Chiefs to move on from him. Did the Bears desperation play a role in them approving him medically?

Either way, if he can serve as a placeholder while Bullard gets his feet in year two, it would be a win for the Bears. If Bullard can step into the lineup and be that breakout player the Bears may have something cooking on their defensive line moving forward.

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