3 storylines to watch from Chicago Bears linebackers in preseason week one
1. Can any of these sleepers push for the Chicago Bears
For the most part, the debate when it comes to depth at the linebacker position is whether they keep five or six. Dylan Cole is not quite a lock, but he is very close, and the big question is whether Gates makes it or not. Still, there are some names who could push Gates and Cole and find themselves right on the edge of the top 53.
Also, if Gates makes the roster there is a great chance they keep a seventh linebacker as practice squad depth. Micah Baskerville is the main name to watch. He is a rookie UDFA, so he has a ways to go, but he started for LSU last season.
Baskerville will be the WILL, similar to TJ Edwards, and we will get to see him in the run-and-chase role. Buddy Johnson was signed very early into training camp this summer, so he is a bit behind schedule. However, he spent the last two preseasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is a former fourth-round pick, so he may have the experience to push for a spot. Lastly is Kuony Deng.
Next. 5 stock down Bears in training camp. 5 stock down Bears in training camp. dark
Deng played both edge rusher and linebacker in the NFL, so is clear that he is the SAM. So, when the Bears go third-team, look for Baskerville at the WILL, Johnson at the MIKE, and Deng at the SAM. Who will emerge from this group, and can any of them get to work with the second team next week?