Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Inside Linebackers

As the Chicago Bears get ready for training camp, we’ll examine the linebacker position heading into 2019.

The Chicago Bears will head to training camp with one of the strongest inside linebacker corps in the NFL. Not only does the group feature premier talent like Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan, but there are also quality backups such as  Nick Kwiatkoski and Joel Iyiegbuniwe.

Last year, on the 53-man roster, the Bears carried four linebackers. With Trevathan and Smith as the main starters, Kwiatkoski and Iyiegbuniwe were the main backups, both of whom contributed on special teams and in special situations.

Each of the four names that made the 53-man roster last year brought something unique to the table. Trevathan brought hard-hitting and valuable leadership skills. Smith and Iyiegbuniwe bought the speed needed to succeed in today’s NFL. Meanwhile, Kwiatkoski proved that he was willing to get involved in just about any play and that he had a nose for the football.

Now, as 2019 training camp begins, the Bears are set to carry seven inside linebackers on the roster. Of these seven names, four were on the Bears last season: Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Joel Iyiegbuniwe.

However, in an effort to create some extra competition this offseason, the Bears brought in three new names, each of which will compete for a role on special teams: Kevin Pierre-Louis, Jameer Thurman, and Josh Woods.

As the Bears get ready to report to Bourbonnais for training camp, what are some things to watch with the inside linebackers position? Additionally, what are some individual player battles to watch? We’ll examine that and much more as we preview the Bears inside linebackers position for 2019.