The Chicago Bears' defense has performed well in training camp, with many believing they will be able to carry this team to a potential playoff appearance in 2025. There's one guy who has been overlooked for too long and might be ready to play a critical role.
Bears defensive back Josh Blackwell has shown glimpses of his excellent play throughout training camp. Chicagobears.com senior writer Larry Mayer shared the big play Blackwell made that caught everyone's attention.
"The No. 2 defense got off the field on the first play of its two-minute drill as defensive back Josh Blackwell intercepted a pass over the middle."
Not only has Blackwell been playing well on defense, but he has also been a key contributor on special teams. Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower sang his praises for the work ethic he brings to the team.
"His value is huge to me and to the rest of the team," Hightower said. "He made plays on Sunday. He's made plays throughout his career. He's played at a Pro Bowl level."
"He's a problem for people. Every coordinator we play has a discussion about '39' and how good he is, and, where you got him from, and 'How did your scouting department find him? How did we miss him?' We've just got to keep him going. We're looking for more from him this year."
Where Blackwell can fit into Bears' defense in 2025
Since the Bears signed Blackwell off waivers in 2022, he has mostly played a significant role on special teams. In 43 games, he has made 44 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception.
With the amount of injuries that have occurred in the secondary at training camp, Blackwell has seen his role increase in practice as well as in preseason. He made four tackles and two pass deflections in the Bears' 24-24 tie to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of preseason action.
All signs point towards players like Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon returning from injury before the season begins against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. That might still leave Blackwell as just a backup, but his play in preseason and training camp so far is proving that he may need to be considered for the rotation.
Blackwell brings a ton of value from his ability to excel in coverage on defense, but his work on special teams is a great example of how important it is to be an expert at multiple roles. His play there has helped keep him on the team for three years despite being an undrafted free agent.
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Could the Bears' already deep secondary get a boost from Blackwell? The remaining two preseason games will be good indicators of the answer to that question.