As the Chicago Bears get into training camp this year, we could see some hints being dropped here and there.
Depending on which young players the coaching staff brings up on a regular basis, we might start to know who is going to stick around and who might not be in the long-term plans of this team. We've already seen some of these hints dropped throughout OTAs and minicamp.
But, training camp is where that really comes into play.
So, let's try our hand at predicting those name drops. Outside of one unique situation under the "give up" category, most of these will wind up being predicted based on how the coaches speak about them over the coming weeks.
Let's start with players the Bears need to continue to develop.
Shemar Turner leads the way for players the Bears need to develop
Shemar Turner, DL
Maybe the most important player for the Bears to develop, right now, is second-year pro and last year's second-round pick Shemar Turner. This year, he is going to be in the defensive end room rather than on the interior or even more of a hybrid.
The Bears need Turner to pan out. Their pass rush room is already thin as it is, and the best-case scenario would be for someone else not named Montez Sweat to step up and surprise. For it to be a second-round pick made by Ryan Poles would be the best-case scenario, no doubt.
Turner only played a total of 74 defensive snaps last season due to being eased in and also due to injury taking him out for the majority of the season. Developing what could be a big part of this pass rush is priority No. 1.
Jahdae Walker, WR
The Bears brought in Kalif Raymond and Scotty Miller, while also drafting Zavion Thomas, but let's hope they don't forget the potential of Walker. Bears fans know what they saw in his outstanding preseason, but more importantly, they know what they saw when he was forced into action and caught that pivotal touchdown against the Packers last year.
Walker has some excellent traits as an outside receiver. He belongs on this team for years to come, whether as a WR3 or WR4. It doesn't matter. He has the talent. He should be developed and kept around.
Ruben Hyppolite, LB
In seven games as a rookie, Hyppolite played only 31 defensive snaps while appearing on 82 special teams snaps. T.J. Edwards is, of course, the starter ahead of him. But Edwards' contract runs through the 2027 season, and the Bears could get out of it and save $8 million next offseason.
That isn't to say they will, and it certainly isn't to say they should. Edwards is a great player. But Hyppolite should be developed as though he could end up replacing Edwards rather than just being a special teams standout. If he gives the Bears a chance to save some money and become a starter on a rookie deal for a couple of years, that gives Chicago some financial flexibility.
Give Up
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
This comes with an asterisk, but I think most Bears fans expect Tyrique Stevenson to be in another uniform next year. Would it technically be "giving up" on him by allowing him to leave via free agency? We'll call it that, since Chicago logically wouldn't be considering him part of their long-term plans.
Stevenson has one more year to show the league just how much money he's worth and, hopefully, help the Bears in their quest for a second Super Bowl.
Kiran Amegadjie, OL
The writing has to be on the wall for Kiran Amegadjie at this point. Injuries haven't helped, but the fact is, he just doesn't have it. Clearly, he hasn't been able to impress coaches enough to warrant even bringing up his name.
Amegadjie was a waste of a third-round pick. That's about all there is to say. The 24-year-old might not even make this roster.
Roschon Johnson, RB
Speaking of not bringing up his name, Roschon Johnson was healthy all of last season and was given a total of two carries. Kyle Monangai didn't even technically take Johnson's job last year in training camp. Johnson didn't have a job to give up.
The coaches clearly don't have much belief in Johnson's skill set. He might stick around as the third running back, but the Bears' coaching staff has spoken. They don't believe in him. At this stage, I'd rather the third running back be someone the coaching staff is comfortable throwing in the game on a moment's notice.
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And, to be frank, that's kind of disheartening. He had a lot to like coming out of college because of his size and pass-catching ability. Maybe another team will help him figure things out.
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