Training camp has begun. The Chicago Bears reported to Halas Hall, where preparations for practices are underway. Head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed the first padded session of the year will take place on July 27th, four days before the Hall of Fame game on August 1st. Things are coming together quickly. Despite the growing excitement, fans have some lingering concerns regarding certain areas of the roster. None have caused more debates than the edge rusher position.
Montez Sweat is an undeniable stud. The problem is across from him. As of now, the Bears don’t have a definitive starter on the opposite side. DeMarcus Walker is the current favorite, but he’s traditionally more of a run defender who does his best pass rush work on the interior. Austin Booker has lots of potential. Still, he’s a rookie. Beyond that, it gets dubious in a hurry. GM Ryan Poles was asked about the situation at the opening press conference. He made it clear he likes how the depth chart looks for the moment but insisted the team is keeping their eyes open for help.
“In the front office, it’s our job to look at every option out there to improve our football team,” Poles said. “We feel really comfortable with the guys we have on our roster now and I’m excited. We’re excited, to see (defensive line coach) Travis (Smith) and (coordinator) Eric (Washington) really put their hands on those guys and develop them as we go through the beginning of training camp. But we will always have our eyes on the list of players that we could potentially bring in.”
They want to see how their younger guys look under the direction of new defensive coordinator Eric Washington. He is a defensive line specialist with a long track record of success. If he thinks he can elevate Booker or even former 5th round pick Demarcus Robinson, fantastic. After a few practices, if things aren’t progressing as hoped, the team could pivot to free agency for help. There are still some decent options available. Waiting for too long might change that. Even so, the Bears seem confident with their approach.
Names to watch over the next week include Yannick Ngakoue and Emmanuel Ogbah. They are the most proven names left on the market. Ngakoue, of course, played with the Chicago Bears last year, sadly breaking his ankle before he could finish the season. Ogbah rebounded from a knee injury last year for 5.5 sacks. He has the size/length/athleticism combo the Bears usually prefer. Time will tell if Poles and Eberflus decide reinforcements are needed.
