The start of training camp is just around the corner, and while the preseason is an often un-satiating appetizer for the NFL's regular season entrée, there is still important work to be done in July and August, both on the field and in the front office.
For the Bears, who again find themselves in the center of the offseason's spotlight, this year's training camp is important as ever, with both the offense and defense set to learn new schemes under new play-callers.
Like every other team, the Bears will refine their squad down to their initial 53-man roster by the end of camp. As the team looks to increase their talent and competitiveness heading into the 2025 campaign, the following four players face the most pressure to perform well throughout the preseason in order to secure a role on the field, if not to keep their spot on the team altogether.
Number 4: IOL Jonah Jackson
One of the team's newest non-rookie additions, Jonah Jackson is not necessarily playing for his roster spot, but there is still a lot of pressure for the former Pro Bowler.
Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams for a sixth round selection in last April's draft, Jackson enters camp penciled in as one of the three new starters across the interior of the offensive line, thanks in large part to his familiarity with new head coach Ben Johnson.
Having spent significant time together as Detroit Lions, Johnson knows better than anyone what the Ohio State product is capable of on the field. Logging 59 total starts in his first four seasons as a pro, Jackson was a consistent contributor on the Lions' offensive line and helped elevate the franchise from a league bottom-feeder to a perennial contender.
However, upon signing with the Rams last offseason, Jackson's 2024 campaign was considerably less successful. After missing the entirety of the preseason due to a scapula injury, the lineman was only able to play in four regular season games, splitting time at guard and center before eventually being benched in favor of younger and healthier options.
With the Bears, Jackson is set to enjoy a fresh start with a team that allowed the most sacks in the league just a season ago. Thanks to a $24.5 million dead cap hit, Jackson's roster spot is all but guaranteed for this season, but if he is unable to return to form in his reunion with Johnson, the Bears have little in the way of dependable linemen behind him.
Simply put, if Jackson flops, so may the Bears' revamped offensive line.
Number 3: RB D'Andre Swift
Despite how Bears fans act, last season was actually a career year for D'Andre Swift.
As the lead back of one of the league's more dysfunctional offenses last year, Swift eclipsed 1,300 all-purpose yards for the first time in his career. Unfortunately, his production was overshadowed by a lack of scoring, logging six touchdowns in 17 games, tied for the lowest mark in his career.
Like Jackson, Swift is set for a reunion with coach Johnson, but their time together in the past proves that the former Georgia rusher is far from a lock to make the final roster. In 2023, Johnson was a part of an offensive staff that shipped Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles for a mid-round draft pick.
While Swift will not likely be released prior to the start of the upcoming regular season, there is still a possibility that the running back is again traded from Johnson's offense. With a goal line guru in Roschon Johnson and a talented rookie in Kyle Monangai, the Bears running back room possesses real skill, and it would not be too difficult to find even more help on the secondary free agent market late in the preseason.
Swift is certainly a talented rusher, but if he wants to leave a better impression on Johnson, he will have to perform well in training camp.
Number 2: WR Tyler Scott
Entering his third camp with the Bears, Tyler Scott has a lot to prove in order to see the field this fall.
Despite recording less than 200 total receiving yards as a rookie, the Cincinnati product showed flashes throughout his first year in Chicago. While there was some excitement around the receiver heading into his sophomore season, Scott disappointed in a poorly-run 2024 offense, finishing the year with a pedestrian five yards on one reception.
Scott has the talent to become a legitimate contributor in the NFL, but will need to focus on drop issues that have plagued his career thus far. Unfortunately for the young receiver, his opportunities in Chicago might be running thin, and this year's camp may be his final chance to show what he can do in the orange and blue.
Between drafting Luther Burden III, signing Olamide Zaccheaus and retaining D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, the Bears' receiver room has quickly become crowded, and a former late round selection like Scott might end up on the outside looking in. When it comes to making the final roster as a reserve, finding a niche role can be helpful. With the recently signed Devin Duvernay likely to serve as a kick and punt returner, Scott may have to provide additional value as a kick cover specialist before he can earn snaps with the offense.
With a strong training camp, Scott should be able to prove himself to his new coaching staff, but the team may in end favor receivers who have been added more recently and for more money.
Number 1: DT Zacch Pickens
A third-round pick in 2023, Zacch Pickens has struggled to live up to his draft day hype with the Bears.
With 1.5 total sacks in 26 appearances, Pickens has not been able to match the production of fellow 2023 draftee Gervon Dexter Sr., who recorded five sacks last season alone. Drafted just 11 selections apart, the two interior rushers have had very different beginnings to their careers, and Pickens' time in Chicago could be coming to an end if he cannot find his groove on the field.
Unfortunately for the South Carolina product, the Bears have continued to add talent and depth to the interior of their defensive line, most notably including the signing of veteran Grady Jarrett and the drafting of Shemar Turner.
Alongside the above listed players, veteran nose tackle Andrew Billings rounds out a seemingly improved defensive tackle group that may be plenty successful without the help of Pickens. The former third round pick could fair better now under the tutelage of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, but his on-field skillsets remains somewhat of a mystery after two seasons in the league.
Like Scott, Pickens will need to prove his value to this new staff in a hurry if he hopes to stick around.