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

1. Kevin White, WR

When the Chicago Bears took Kevin White seventh overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, they hoped that his size and freakish athleticism would help them replace what they gave up in Brandon Marshall. Thanks to two leg fractures, however, the Bears still have no idea if he’s even the guy they drafted, let alone a true number-one receiver.

With White entering his third season in Chicago, it’s time to find out.

Why camp matters for him

In his four games last year, we got brief flashes of both the good and bad in White’s still-nascent game. On one hand, he racked up 19 catches and 187 yards in those four games, which would’ve projected nicely over a whole season (~80 catches, 750 yards). During that time, he seemed to find a niche with crossing routes and shorter patterns, utilizing his run-after-catch ability. Also, he showed his glimpses of the athleticism and tenacity that made him a top-ten pick.

Still, his game remains rife with inconsistency. He still hasn’t mastered the route tree, though that’s not surprising given his lack of practice time. He struggled somewhat with finishing plays last season, dropping a few very catchable balls against Dallas (though he also managed a circus catch). And his inexperience hurt his rapport with Jay Cutler to start the season. In fact, it was only with Brian Hoyer‘s emergence as the starter that White started to turn the proverbial corner.

With two healthy legs and Glennon and Trubisky at the helm, White badly needs to make an immediate impact for the Bears in camp. With no true number-one option on the team, White has an opportunity to assert himself next to Cameron Meredith.

And truthfully, if he starts to emerge, he could have the single greatest impact of any player (aside from Jordan Howard, Floyd or potentially Trubisky) in determining how the Bears play this season and beyond. A healthy, productive White opens up further opportunities for Meredith, their cornucopia of slot receivers and tight ends and even Howard himself. Otherwise, the offense likely continues being a steady diet of Howard, Meredith, the occasional tight end or 4th receiver and little else.

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But for White, it all starts with a healthy and productive training camp. All those valuable on-field reps, plus a little luck, could finally get him on track to being the player Chicago Bears fans hope for.

Otherwise, expect to hear the bust chants come on strong.