Chicago Bears training camp could boost these players’ value

Chicago Bears linebacker Caleb Johnson could rise during training camp

There may be no bigger sleeper on this Bears roster right now than 23-year-old linebacker Caleb Johnson. Let’s go back a little bit. Johnson was the Southland co-Defensive Player of the Year back in 2020 — a season influenced big time by the pandemic. The small school standout played for Houston Baptist — a school we rarely see NFL talent come from.

Going undrafted in 2021, the Bears found him and gave him a shot. He ended up suiting up for 14 games last year in Chicago, although most of his time was spent on special teams (68 percent of snaps).

During camp and the preseason last year, though, Johnson made some eye-popping plays. He proved he had a nose for the football. Johnson’s mentality was always that of someone who went after the ball, no matter where it was. He forced a couple fumbles last preseason and, in just a handful of plays, showed the coaching staff he belonged.

With the recent arrest of Matthew Adams — the current projected starter on the outside with Roquan Smith and Nicholas Morrow — Johnson now has a real shot to earn his role. Sure, that role could be a backup position. At the moment, he’s right behind Adams.

But, should anything serious come of Adams’ arrest, Johnson has a legitimate shot to compete for a starting spot — and he would be just fine there. The Bears need guys with a mentality of taking the football away, and that’s the number one thing you’ll notice when watching Johnson play football. He’s a kid to keep your eye on during camp, without a doubt.