Chicago Bears: 5 under-the-radar players you should know for training camp
By Ryan Heckman
Under-the-radar Chicago Bears in training camp: DL Mike Pennel
Notice the photo. Newly-signed defensive lineman Mike Pennel has a bit of experience sacking rival quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so he’s no stranger to the Packers offense. The question is, will Pennel have a chance to sack Rodgers this season? That’s a debate for a different story.
Pennel has spent the last two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, both which ended with him playing in a Super Bowl. Funny enough, he started his career with Green Bay back in 2014 and is now playing for the other side.
The Bears’ defensive line is fairly loaded, especially if Eddie Goldman ends up in training camp. With Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, Goldman, Mario Edwards and Angelo Blackson, the Bears have a heck of a rotation up front. It might be tough to remember that they have another guy in Pennel, who is also a good player.
Pennel specializes in stopping the run, which is an area the Bears struggled against last season without Goldman. It is going to be difficult for any other lineman to make the team if the Bears stick with those six, with Pennel rounding out the group. This area is chock full of talent, and Pennel was the perfect piece to top it all off with. Don’t forget about him while watching the rest of the line at camp.