Chicago Bears: 3 players who need more preseason reps
Aaron Lynch has to prove to the Bears that he is not a castoff, but a star
The Bears did very little to ease the concerns about their average pass rush. Instead of gambling on players with big reputations, the Bears opted for the talented, yet enigmatic Aaron Lynch.
All things being equal, Lynch can get to the opposing team’s quarterback, however, he was available in free agency under cloudy circumstances.
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As a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Lynch was suspended by the league in 2016 for use violating the substance abuse policy. While addressing the media, the outside linebacker admitted that he was administered in the NFL drug program coming out of college in 2014.
With his past behind him, Lynch wants to prove to the Bears that he can play. Currently, he is facing an uphill climb with the Bears.
Lynch is currently listed on the Bears’ second-team defense. That designation should mean more playing time in the preseason for him as he tries to beat out Sam Acho.
More playing time with the Bears’ defense would get Lynch further acclimated with the way defensive coordinator Jim Fangio wants to use him. Fans want to know, however, if Lynch is the ideal OLB to bookend with budding Bears’ star Leonard Floyd.
Lynch was touted for his nasty demeanor when he came into the league. There are questions that remain about his on-field availability. The reality is Lynch needs to get healthy and the Bears need to see what Lynch can do as he fights to turn his reputation around.