Chicago Bears football is right around the corner, as training camp kicks off on July 22. With football in the air again, Bears fans' excitement for the 2025 season is palpable. That said, fans have lots to look forward to even in training camp with position battles.
One battle that fans should be keeping a close eye on is the competition for the tight end No. 3 spot. Though it's not that exciting of a spot, it will give insight into how Ben Johnson views deep depth positions.
This offseason, Chicago signed Durham Smythe to a one-year deal. Smythe has a prior relationship with Johnson from their days in Miami. However, third-year tight end Joel Wilson impressed in camp and could push Smythe out of a job in Chicago.
Joel Wilson Could Puah Durham Smythe Out of Chicago With Strong Training Camp
Wilson, a 2023 undrafted free agent, attended Central Michigan. During five seasons with the Chippewas, he recorded 82 receptions for 874 yards and 11 touchdowns. Though those aren't spectacular stats, the 25-year-old showed enough to make it to the NFL.
Unfortunately, injuries forced Wilson to land on multiple teams' practice squads before signing with the Bears during the 2024 season. This spring, the 25-year-old impressed Johnson and Bears beat reporters with some of the catches he was making.
Still, Johnson made it clear that for Wilson to make the team, he needs to show he can run block and pass protect during training camp. In the two seasons he played significant snaps during college. Wilson recorded a 64.4 (2021) and a 45.5 (2022) in run blocking.
Furthermore, as a pass blocker he recorded a 54.9 (2021) and a 66.2 (2022. Comparatively, Smythe has only graded below a 50.0 once in run blocking during his seven-year NFL career.
If Wilson proves to be a solid blocker during training camp, his age and upside will likely push Smythe out of a job with the Bears.