Chicago Bears: 3 players who need more preseason reps

Rookie linebacker Roquan Smith needs to get signed and get on the field

Roquan Smith remaining unsigned is the biggest storyline the Bears have had to deal with since NFL training camp began. Both camps are at a stalemate due to a disagreement over some of the offset language in contract negotiations.

The NFL’s new helmet rule, along with a conduct policy the Bears want to include has been the reason for the hold up thus far. Despite the holdout, Smith needs to play and soon.

Most NFL players enter training camp in shape, however, there is a significant difference between being fit and fit to play football. Smith will have to play catch up to his Bears’ teammates when it comes to the latter.

The Bears are already up and running, hitting, doing shuttle drills and building chemistry. Whenever Smith joins them it will throw a few things off. Mainly the defensive timing.

The Bears drafted Smith to be the future leader of the defense. Smith will eventually be calling the plays on that side of the football. Unfortunately, his Bears’ teammates, especially the veterans have yet to get a feel for his cadence. Even if Smith only played two series in the final preseason game it would make a huge difference.