The Chicago Bears' defense is in quite a situation in 2026: they need to play better with the offense ready for a Super Bowl, but there is a lot of doubt about the unit.
Some of the bigger questions concern the linebacker position after the Bears saw multiple injuries there in 2025. Right now, it appears that T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, and D'Marco Jackson are the main starters in three-linebacker sets.
Where there are some concerns is the depth at the position and who will step up if needed. Some eyes will be on guys like returning linebacker Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, and rookie fifth-round pick Keyshaun Elliott. Another Bears draft pick might get more attention, as he needs to finally live up to the hype around him.
Ruben Hyppolite II is at a crossroads entering Year 2 in the NFL
There was a lot of buzz around Hyppolite going into Chicago after running an incredible 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, proving he's got speed, which is what the Bears needed. After that, though, that excitement around him died out quickly.
Hyppolite did not get to play much as he was in for seven games with only one start, racking up six tackles. He was reduced to more of a special teams player when he was playing, but a shoulder injury derailed any shot of him picking up momentum in 2025.
Now entering 2026, things are kind of up in the air for Hyppolite as no one really knows what his role is going to be or if he will even make the 53-man roster. There is a ton of competition at linebacker and they end up only keeping either five or six at inside linebacker.
It appears that Hyppolite is on the roster bubble as he will have to beat out guys like Sewell, Sanborn, and Elliott for jobs. Last season, Hyppolite had most of his tackles on defense, and despite playing 42% of special teams snaps, he was not as impactful as the team was hoping.
The speed that he has gives him such an advantage over the rest of the backup linebackers, as that kind of speed is rare to see at the position. He just hasn't played up to the standards they were hoping for out of their draft picks.
Read more: What could go right (and wrong) with Bears' inconsistent defense in 2026?
This is going to be a challenging training camp for Hyppolite as he has a lot to prove to the Bears and the fan base. The potential is there, but if it is not met in the next two months, he might find himself on the practice squad waiting longer for his opportunity.
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