The Chicago Bears already have one rookie starter cemented in Dillon Thieneman, and it seems that early camp results are indicating he might not be alone. Rookie receiver Zavion Thomas has garnered an unquestionably high level of attention based on his chemistry within Chicago's offense in the first week of camp. However, this isn't the avenue that Bleacher Report chose to go when looking at seven rookies who have a chance to earn a spot in a starting lineup.
This wasn't just for the Bears, but for seven different teams who could find a surprise starter in their lineup. Malik Muhammad was the name chosen for the Bears, with the rationale being due to Muhammad's time with Texas and the unknowns around Tyrique Stevenson moving forward. Stevenson was noted as not being chosen by the current regime and a piece the franchise could be looking to move on from.
This is an undeniable possibility, and if the fourth-round rookie is able to make it a real competition, this could be less far-fetched than it appears at first glance. The Texas alum had a pair of interceptions and six passes defended in what was an impressive final season for the talented defender.
It makes sense that Dennis Allen's defense could explore the young corner in the starting lineup, seeing the potential value in having such a controllable and cheap corner able to take on a meaningful role.
Bears Have Unquestionably Exciting Rookie Class with Overlooked Defensive Starting Option
It is important to note here that Muhammad being able to fight his way into the starting lineup is an undeniably bold prediction. One that comes as a bit of a surprise when you look at the current standing of the lineup and realize that a veteran trio of corners appears extremely unlikely to lose their starting positions unless the franchise wants to move off Stevenson, as speculated.
The more likely outcome is the rookie surprising the team by going on a run that pushes him into the fourth corner role. It should help the corner's cause that he spent so much time in the Texas program playing in high leverage situations and dealing with lofty expectations.
While there is a huge jump in responsibility, it does better prepare the talented defender to perhaps make good on the bold prediction. Even if it isn't a place in the starting lineup, it would be surprising not to see Muhammad carve out a meaningful role.
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