Chicago Bears Training Camp: 5 things to keep an eye on

Depth chart questions could be answered during Chicago Bears training camp

2. How does the tight end situation end up?

Definitely keep an eye on which tight ends are getting the most reps during camp. Last year we saw Jimmy Graham as the definite starter throughout camp and to begin the season. As Cole Kmet got more involved during the later parts of the year, it seemed that he might open this season as the starter. Also, there is an open spot for the third-string tight end, and there are plenty of candidates who will battle it out for that job.

I predict Cole Kmet to be the starter at tight end going into the season, but I think there will be a lot of split reps like we saw at the end of last year. Both players are very good red-zone targets, but Graham is still a huge mismatch in that area. This could result in Kmet seeing more touches, but Graham being a feature on plays in the red zone. How Matt Nagy splits the reps at camp will go a long way in telling who will be the true starter for the Week 1 depth chart.

Behind the main two guys, there are names like Jake Butt, J.P. Holtz, and Jesper Horsted who will likely battle for the third-string spot. Last year it was Demetrius Harris, but we also saw Holtz and Horsted at times. Keep an eye on who gets that Y-tight end spot. This player will most likely be the “fullback” for the year as the Bears do not have a true fullback on the roster at this point.

The tight end depth chart situation will present an interesting storyline during training camp and how reps are split will predict who gets each spot.

3. How will the running back room fill out?

Right now the Bears have a loaded backfield with David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, Damien Williams, Khalil Herbert, Artavis Pierce, and Ryan Nall. Pierce and Nall will most likely be on the practice squad after camp, which means the depth chart will be a bit foggy behind David Montgomery. Matt Nagy recently said he wants to give Monty at least 20 carries per game, which either means the Bears will be running a lot or touches will be scarce for the backups.

Williams has been solid the last few years before his opt-out last year. Cohen has been the backup since he entered the league and has been a nice gadget piece, especially as a pass-catcher. Herbert will see very limited reps, mainly on special teams. The main question is who gets more touches between Williams and Cohen. Depending on injuries and other factors, training camp will bring out a tell for how Matt Nagy will shape out the backfield depth chart.