5 Bears With the Most to Prove in Preseason Week 1

4. Dominique Robinson, DE

Robinson will be entering his third year in the league this year and looking to take that next step. He was viewed as a raw athlete with high-upside when selected in the fifth round back in 2022, but we have yet to see him put it all together and become a solid role player even in the league. He has just 42 combined tackles and 2 sacks in 2 years. Montez Sweat is obviously the Bears' premier pass-rusher, but the spot opposite of him is in question. DeMarcus Walker will likely start there and is a fine player, but the Bears will need other players to step up in that spot as well if they want to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Bears selected Austin Booker in the fifth round of this year's draft to hopefully develop into a quality edge player. Robinson is going to have to show something at that position if he doesn't want a rookie and fellow 5th-rounder to take snaps from him.

5. Velus Jones Jr., KR/RB?

Arguably one of Ryan Poles' biggest draft whiffs, Velus Jones may find a resurgence to his young career with the new kickoff rule. Kick returns have been just about the only thing Jones has been able to do in the NFL to this point. Well, he returns and can be penciled in for his single jet sweep per game under Luke Getsy. Reports from camp have shown that Jones has been taking lots of reps with the running backs now.

It was obvious Luke Getsy was unable to get anything out of Jones as a receiver, but his speed and quickness have never been questioned. The preseason is the perfect opportunity for Jones to show he has actual value to a roster outside of kick returns. It should be interesting to see him lineup in the backfield and see what he can do, this may be his last shot.

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