Chicago Bears: Five players who need to impress at training camp

4. Kyle Fuller, CB

Speaking of Chicago Bears players on the last year of their rookie contracts…

A relic of the bygone Phil Emery era, Kyle Fuller’s opportunities with the Bears are swiftly running out. With his rookie contract up at the end of this season, he may be looking for work soon if he struggles in 2017.

Why camp matters for him

Since arriving with the Bears as their 14th-overall pick in 2014, Fuller, in large part, has underwhelmed after recording two interceptions in his second career game against the San Francisco 49ers. At his best, he has been average or slightly above-average with the Bears, briefly picking up his play when paired with veteran Tracy Porter. And when he’s been bad, it’s been hard to watch.

At his best, he has been average or slightly above-average with the Bears. And when he’s been bad, it’s been hard to watch. Also, he doesn’t excel in man-to-man coverage and often gets stuck trailing plays due to poor instincts in one-on-one situations. That’s not a good sign for a corner in a Vic Fangio defense.

Then, of course, his knee injury last year wiped out any chance he had to potentially impress Fangio. In fact, his inability to return drew some questioning from his coaches, though it turned out that his knee issue was more serious than was assumed.

Also, Ryan Pace and Co. aren’t married to Fuller at all as a regime. The signings of Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper, plus the presence of Bryce Callahan, Cre’Von LeBlanc and Deiondre’ Hall, should show that.

Now more than ever, Fuller really needs to prove himself with the Bears in training camp. If he doesn’t, he might not even make the 53-man roster.