Chicago Bears Training Camp: 5 players who must step up

Chicago Bears - Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears - Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Chicago Bears, Dazz Newsome
Chicago Bears (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Dazz Newsome needs to remind people he deserves snaps for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears went to the late rounds once again for a wide receiver this offseason. This time, the Chicago Bears selected Dazz Newsome in the sixth round. Last year it was Darnell Mooney that Ryan Pace was drafting in the fifth round. Mooney proved he should have been selected earlier in the draft with his rookie performance, now the Chicago Bears need the same to happen with Newsome.

The Chicago Bears wide receiver group looks very deep on paper. We already discussed Anthony Miller and the possibility he could lose snaps to new veterans Damiere Byrd and Marquise Goodwin. Now, let’s take into account the team is only likely to keep six receivers. Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney are locks. I would presume that Anthony Miller will make the final roster too. If you add in Byrd and Goodwin, that only leaves one spot left on the roster.

Riley Ridley, Javon Wims and Dazz Newsome will be the three most likely fighting for the last spot. Wims has worn out his welcome for me and should be an easy cut. I’d stash Riley Ridley on the practice squad while promoting Newsome to the final roster, but training camp could change many things for these receivers. Technically all three need to step up in camp, but Newsome missed time at OTAs after breaking his collar bone. He’s due to be back for camp though.

In his return, Newsome will have to prove that he brings more value to the offense than Ridley or Wims or he will find himself starting the year on the practice squad. It will be interesting which of the three earn that final spot.

Notable Mentions:

  • Ryan Nall – Doubt he makes the final roster this year with Damien Williams and Khalil Herbert now on the roster
  • Riley Ridley – Already mentioned he will struggle to land the final WR spot
  • Javon Wims – Same situation as Riley Ridley
  • Sam Mustipher – Can he prove he deserves to start at center?
  • Robert Quinn – Can he return to Pro Bowl form?

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