5 Chicago Bears camp predictions fans won't see coming

The Chicago Bears are getting into the swing of training camp, as is the rest of the NFL. And, as one of the offseason darlings, all eyes are on the Bears.

This is a team that comes into the season with a lot of hope and hype, and they should be much-improved from a year ago.

Head coach Matt Eberflus seemed to really help the organization turn a corner down the stretch last year, and general manager Ryan Poles not only rewarded Flus with keeping his job, but also no. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

With a well-rounded roster and Williams at the helm, camp feels a little different than years past. Fans are excited to watch a bunch of known storylines unfold, but what might they not see coming during camp?

Potentially unforeseen Chicago Bears training camp predictions

1. Kevin Byard shines brighter than all other defensive backs

We've heard the coaches talk about the addition of Kevin Byard, already. The veteran is said to be exactly what this secondary needed, and his leadership will definitely come into play for a group that wants to be as dominant as any in the league.

Surely, Byard has heard all of the noise about his 2023 season being under par. His relationship with Jaquan Brisker is blooming and this secondary is not lacking confidence. Combine that with the criticism adding fuel to the fire, and Byard might wind up being the star of the secondary during camp.

2. Austin Booker takes the second starting job, and quickly

Watching DeMarcus Walker last year, the Bears didn't receive anything too spectacular out of the former Titans pass rusher. It'll be between he and rookie Austin Booker for the second starting defensive end spot.

And, the Bears are as high on Booker as any team could be on a fifth-round pick. The spot is there for the taking, and the rookie is going to snatch it up, quickly.

3. Caleb Williams struggles more often than not

Remember the days back when Patrick Mahomes was throwing interceptions left and right in training camp? Of course you don't, because those days hardly matter if at all, now.

Fans sure love seeing highlights of Williams throwing darts during camp, but what won't be "highlighted" as much are his off days. And, it's going to be mostly thanks to the Bears' defense leveling up during training camp. If the Bears end up having another top-10 defense, that's only going to make Williams a better quarterback in the end.

4. Rome Odunze does, indeed, get plenty of work as a return specialist

The NFL's new kickoff rules are going to take a bit to get used to. But, they're going to give teams more opportunity to see returns -- and who knows, maybe we'll see some bigger plays thanks to these rules.

The new rules could end up favoring the more savvy ball-carriers, which means it'll be worth the Bears trying different players back there, including rookie wideout Rome Odunze. There's already been talk of Odunze being a punt returner, but with the new kickoff rules in effect, maybe kick returner is in the cards as well.

5. The Bears wait until cut-down day to add another defensive end

Last year, the Bears waited until early August to sign Yannick Ngakoue. But, this year, they will wait until the league sees teams cut down to their 53-man roster number before adding another defensive end. This will be, in part, due to Booker's ascension during training camp.