Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is a couple of weeks behind us, it's time to start looking ahead at what we should expect out of the Chicago Bears this coming season.
Expectations, as a whole, are sky-high. And, justifiably so. They should be.
Beyond all of the hype around Caleb Williams and expectations as a team, though, fans should also be interested in the coming weeks and months. This is where the hard work begins, as the Bears begin the bulk of their offseason activities and head toward training camp.
As we prepare to watch some roster battles take place, there are a handful of rookies who are already going to take away snaps from some veterans. Some are easier to see than others, but there are six in particular who should be worried.
The Bears' rookie class may be smaller than normal, but it's a significant group as a whole
Tyler Scott, WR
This one is pretty easy. Tyler Scott is coming into Year 2 as a pro, and he likely felt he was headed for the WR3 role until the Bears took Rome Odunze at pick no. 9. At least for this coming season, Scott will once again take a back seat. D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen are going to get plenty of time on the field, but so will Odunze.
Now, fast forward to Year 3 for Scott, and that could be a pivotal season. Allen's contract is up after 2024, and there's no guarantee the Bears bring him back. So, Scott might have to wait for the moment, but his time very well could be coming.
Travis Homer, RB
This might not be an area fans are thinking about too often, but the Bears brought Travis Homer in to play a special teams role. Last season, Homer played 61 percent of special teams snaps. However, the Bears signed undrafted free agent Ian Wheeler out of Howard.
And, like Homer, Howard comes in having tons of special teams experience. The Bears don't necessarily have their return specialists figured out just yet. Will Velus Jones Jr. be in the picture? How about Tyler Scott? Homer?
What we do know is that Wheeler comes in after a season that saw him average a whopping 29.1 yards per kickoff return on 17 attempts, with a long of 88 yards. He has scored three times on kickoff returns throughout his career, so don't count him out of making this roster and even contributing on Sundays.