Chicago Bears training camp kicks off in a little over a week. Rookies report to Halas Hall on July 19, while veterans report on July 22. Training camp is always an exciting time of the year for fans as it means football is right around the corner.
However, this season it holds even more weight for Bears fans as it's the first time they get to see Ben Johnson's coaching in action. That said, training camp also allows fans a chance to see players lower on the depth chart make plays and become fan favorites.
Typically referred to as training camp darlings, these players rarely ever make the team. Still, it's fun to get behind the lesser-known players who are rooting for their success. With that in mind, here are two players on the Bears who could become training camp darlings in 2025.
1. JP Richardson, WR
JP Richardson joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent and attended the entire spring program. Although he didn’t stand out early on, he made a strong impression on the final day of mandatory minicamp.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, Richardson made a nice falling one-handed grab for a touchdown from Caleb Williams, alongside a few other catches. While it was a late splash, it left a strong impression on reporters in attendance.
The Former TCU receiver's road to a 53-man roster spot will remain tough as he will have to beat out veterans like Tyler Scott and Myles Boykin for the sixth receiver spot.
Throughout four years of college, the 23-year-old had 175 receptions for 1,940 yards and 11 touchdowns across two schools. In 2024 with TCU, he recorded 57 catches for 733 yards and two touchdowns. His slimmer frame at 5-foot-11, 192 pounds likely means his best fit is as a slot receiver, which is already a crowded spot for the Bears.
Even so, a strong training camp and preseason performance can earn Richardson training camp darling status and a practice squad spot.
2. Joel Wilson, TE
Joel Wilson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Unfortunately, Wilson ended up on multiple teams' practice squads due to injuries. He signed with the Bears in October of last season and it sounds like he's already made an impression on Johnson and the new coaching staff.
During Johnson's press conference following the second day of mandatory minicamp, he was asked if any players had stood out to him. The new head coach named Wilson as one of four players that had been standing out to him, saying, "He's got a little savvy in how he moves. He's got a nice route feel about him."
He added, "The test will really be when we get going in camp, how he holds up in the run game and the pass pro game. But so far in the running route section of tight end play, he’s stood out in a positive light."
While run blocking and pass protection aren't the most exciting things to watch, it's what will help the 25-year-old make the team over veteran Durham Smythe. Nonetheless, if he continues to make plays as a receiver, he will quickly become a training camp darling and could even make the final 53-man roster.