What does each safety need to show in training camp?
Quintin Demps
Demps needs to come in and solidify himself as the leader of the group. This is a young group of players with a decent amount of upside. However, they need that veteran who knows how to handle the NFL season and can lead thess players by preaching strong habits. Demps can be that player, and it is something he should be showing at camp.
Adrian Amos
Amos needs to show an ability to adapt to Demps. Amos has been a two-year starter, but for most of his career, he has had to be the leader of the secondary. Now, Demps comes in with a lot more talent and a veteran presence to be the leader of the group. Can Amos adapt and learn from Demps while sharing a defensive backfield with him?
Eddie Jackson
If Jackson could show that his leg is healthy, it would be a major step forward. Jackson has a lot of upside but fell in the draft due to a broken leg suffered in college. If Jackson can get healthy and show it in the preseason, there is a lot he can do to contribute this season. Jackson could eventually win a starting job and should be a prime candidate to return punts. It all starts with health, though.
Deon Bush
Bush profiles as a single-high, over the top safety. However, last season in his limited time on the field he had shown major lapses in coverage. Bush is a rookie and that should have been expected in his play. However, now as he enters camp in year two, a further understanding of the playbook has to be shown.
Harold Jones-Quartey
Jones-Quartey is a sure tackler and a solid bet in the box. However, he is an absolute liability in coverage. He has seen the field a lot in the past two seasons, but his progression as a pass stopping threat has not shown. Jones-Quartey will be on the roster bubble, so any sort of progression he can show in that area moving forward would ease the team’s concerns about moving on from him.
DeAndre Houston-Carson
The Bears should be hoping for Houston-Carson to show more upside on defense than Jones-Quartey this offseason. Houston-Carson was drafted out of Will & Mary which is a small school. It should have been known that it would take some time for him to get down the nuances of the NFL. However, if he wants to make the roster he has to show gradual progression in year two. If not, he is destined for the practice squad.
Chris Prosinski
There is one thing keeping Prosinski around, special teams. If a player such as Houston-Carson or Jones-Quartey can prove to be as capable as him on special teams, his roster spot becomes expendable. There is not as much in the hands of Prosinski as there are other players.
Next: Training camp preview: Safety
Deiondre Hall
Hall is learning a completely new position, so every step he takes is going to be one worth watching. How does he adjust, is he is the same in coverage, and will he take any reps at all at cornerback? Hall will be one of the must follows of training camp this year.