There's already enough pressure on the rookies to perform well on the field, but with only three preseason games, there leaves no room for error.
The 2025 Chicago Bears are incredibly deep at many positions and are getting younger while also acquiring talent. Chicago has 17 rookies on its roster who are looking to make a good first impression on the coaching staff.
There might be four with the most pressure to excel or they might not have a job after training camp ends. They need the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills to show they are valuable to the team.
JP Richardson, WR
In last week's 24-24 tie against the Miami Dolphins, Richardson had a quiet two receptions for seven yards. He's been a standout at training camp, but playing in practice doesn't get a player on the 53-man roster automatically. Richardson needs to get open and make the most of his targets with the wide receiver room already as deep as it is.
Deion Hankins, RB
Hankins had a good debut with the Bears last week against Miami as he was second on the team in rushing with 23 yards on seven carries and one catch for four yards and a touchdown. He's still in a tight battle for a roster spot with fellow rookie Kyle Monangai and Ian Wheeler making strong cases as well. Monangai is almost a sure lock for a roster spot, so the Bears need to decide if they want to carry a fourth running back, will that be Hankins, Wheeler, or even Travis Homer?
Power Echols, LB
Chicago's linebackers like Noah Sewell and Ruben Hyppolite II had stellar games last week, but Echols didn't get much of a chance to shine with only one tackle. Listed as a fourth-string linebacker, Echols has a lot of work to do in the Bills' game to prove his worth. He might need to create a turnover or have multiple highlight plays to keep his name in the race to make the roster.
Read more: 4 Bears players who needs a strong performance against Bills
Tysheem Johnson, S
Johnson had a decent showing last week with two tackles made and a secondary that held Miami's passing game well. It's Johnson and Alex Cook looking to make an argument to Chicago to carry five safeties, so Johnson has to show what he can do in pass coverage and in run support. He might be playing for a spot on the practice squad realistically, but still needs to play well against Buffalo.