While the Chicago Bears are going to have a lot of battles at training camp, one might stand out from the rest that no one is talking about.
The Bears have a lot going for them on the offensive line, with the starting lineup set up for success once again. Who the backups will be is the bigger question, as it could result in some good players being cut.
Players like offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie and offensive guard Luke Newman are on the bubble to make the roster. An undrafted free agent might end one of those players' hopes of making the sidelines for Week 1.
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Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport named one undrafted free agent on each team he believes has the best shot at making the roster. Davenport likes former Wyoming guard Caden Barnett to make some noise.
"Granted, Caden Barnett didn't take on the highest level of competition at Wyoming, but it was still a bit surprising to see the 6'3", 316-pounder go undrafted—Barnett has NFL-caliber size and length and posted a solid Relative Athletic Score of 9.53 that included a 5.03-second 40-yard dash and a 4.55-second short shuttle.
The Bears obviously saw something they liked in Barnett, giving the youngster $277,500 (get used to seeing that number) in guarantees. Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson are entrenched as the starters in the Windy City, but the Bears' depth along the interior of the offensive line isn't great.
Like so many players in this column, Barnett is going to have earn a depth spot in Chicago on the practice field and in the preseason. But he has more than a little potential at a position where the Bears can use some youth."
Last season in college, Barnett allowed 18 pressures, six quarterback hits, and one sack in 444 pass-blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.3, ranking 65th out of 686 tackles in the country.
Barnett is more than likely entering training camp ready to battle with Newman for the backup right guard spot. Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson are locked in as the starters. Jordan McFadden's terrific playoff performance last season is enough to make him a lock as a backup to Thuney at left guard.
Newman appeared in nine games last season with the Bears. He took 25 snaps on offense and 47 on special teams.
The experience is not quite there for Newman, so there is always a chance he could not end up making the team. Barnett should have been a Day 3 pick, but the Bears got lucky and were able to sign him after the draft.
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Chicago is more likely to carry the typical 10 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, leaving little room for error for Barnett and Newman. One of those guys is going to make the team, and the other will be stuck on the practice squad for the season.
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