As training camp nears, everybody will be talking about the bigger storylines. The Chicago Bears are a team with a lot of hype behind them, and deservedly so. But what about those players who go into this training camp with a lot to prove and a non-guaranteed job?
Last month, we highlighted newcomer James Lynch as someone who is down towards the bottom of the defensive line depth chart. The former Tennessee Titan has only been a rotational player, at most, during his 6-year NFL career.
For that reason, and the fact that he could end up being too far down the depth chart, Lynch has a slim chance of sticking around. Personally, I don't see him staying put outside of being a practice squad member.
However, there are some with a little more firsthand knowledge who may disagree.
James Lynch's chance at a Bears roster spot could come down to one key area
I had the chance to sit down with FanSided's Titans expert, Justin Melo, and ask him for a brief comment on Lynch and what would make him appealing to the Bears. Since Lynch spent his last two seasons in Tennessee, I wanted to hear it straight from somebody who watched him every Sunday.
Specifically, the question was what he could bring and ultimately allow him to stick on the roster.
"Lynch is an underrated defensive lineman capable of giving the defense rotational snaps. He's an effective run stopper with a big body."
Could he end up making the roster, though? The second part to Melo's answer was pretty telling.
"Lynch is a good player if he's your fourth or fifth defensive lineman in rotation."
That's fair. As a run-stopper, Lynch has something to hang his hat on. That's where he's going to need to stand out in training camp and the preseason if he's going to hang onto a roster spot.
Last year, the Bears' 53-man roster kept a total of five interior defensive linemen. So, let's look real quick at the competition Lynch will have in front of him.
Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr. are very likely your starters there. Behind them are free agent signings Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street. Gallimore's contract was for two years, $10 million. So, the money says he is the third man in line there.
As for Street, his 1-year deal was worth about $1.5 million. Interestingly enough, Lynch's deal was a 1-year contract for $1.3 million.
If we're allowing the money to talk, that's about as even as it gets, even though one might think Street has a leg up on Lynch.
We'll come right back to Street and Lynch, but rookie sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg is a highly athletic player this team is excited about, so you'd have to think he isn't going anywhere.
At that point, you're looking at either Street or Lynch as the fifth man in line. And, with Lynch being a talented run stopper, it is quite telling if you go look at Street's work in that area.
Believe Pro Football Focus as much as you'd like to, but Street's run defense grade last year was a measly 49.8. Lynch was almost 10 full points ahead at 59.0.
That, right there, could be the key.
The other four should end up on this final roster. Unless the Bears keep a total of six interior defensive linemen, it could come down to one of Street or Lynch for that final spot.
Read more: Cam Lewis could rescue Bears from potential training camp nightmare
So, while on the surface, I still don't see it as a high probability, Lynch isn't a nobody. If he's serviceable as the No. 4 or 5 guy in that room, then he'll earn a job.
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