5 positions to watch in Chicago Bears final preseason game

MOBILE, AL - DECEMBER 23: Defensive back Clifton Duck #4 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates with defensive back A.J. Howard #10 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers after intercepting a pass during their game against the Toledo Rockets on December 23, 2017 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - DECEMBER 23: Defensive back Clifton Duck #4 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates with defensive back A.J. Howard #10 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers after intercepting a pass during their game against the Toledo Rockets on December 23, 2017 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Bradley Sowell #79 of the Chicago Bears reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Tight end

Ben Braunecker joined the starters as an inactive last week and Bradley Sowell is not far behind considering he has a specific role in the offense. If Sowell plays on Thursday it is because he still needs work transitioning.

With four tight ends locked onto the roster, the question is whether they will keep a fifth. The early favorite was Dax Raymond, but Ian Bunting has emerged over Raymond. Bunting profiles as an Adam Shaheen backup, while Raymond is closer to Burton or Braunecker in style.

The questions of Shaheen, have made Bunting more valuable. On top of that, Bunting has been impressive in the preseason. He made big catches and has shown on special teams as well. He has played 38 snaps, which is 15 more than Raymond on special teams and has two tackles as well. Blocking has been his biggest issue, and it has been worked on throughout camp. Bunting has a real chance to pin down a roster spot with one more strong performance.