The Chicago Bears have had a few weeks of Spring Training in the books, and now the team is moving things towards the preseason. After reviewing some of the top offensive options in the preseason, who are the players on defense with the most on the line in the first preseason game?
5 Chicago Bears With Most to Prove in Preseason Opener
Jordan van den Berg
The rookie sixth-round pick has hit the ground running after missing the first week due to injury. However, he is still down on the depth chart. It would be hard to catch Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, or Neville Gallimore in the preseason. However, he can push James Lynch and Kentavius Street for a role on defense as a rookie. That would be huge.
Ruben Hyppolite
Hyppolite is entering his second NFL season, but he is already facing the roster bubble. The team is deep at linebacker, but a good portion of them will not play in this game. T.J. Edwards has his role locked down and is coming back from injury, and D’Marco Jackson is currently missing time.
Plus, Keyshaun Elliott and Noah Sewell remain on the PUP. So, Devin Bush might get some work because it is a new defense, but none of the other top five projected linebackers will play.
Hyppolite, Jack Sanborn, Nephi Sewell, Jon Rhattingan, Wayne Matthews, and Tony Fields should get all of the time. This is where Hyppolite can really shine.
Malik Muhammad
Does Muhammad play in the slot? Does he play outside? He could mix in and play a bit of both as well. There are a lot of questions for the rookie fourth-round pick in his NFL debut.
Slot
More than just Muhammad, how does the team handle the slot? Cam Lewis was a safety, but he appears to be taking more slot work. They just signed Beanie Bishop as well; does he compete?
Jaylon Jones, Josh Blackwell, and Muhammad have been the three getting the most work. How does that order shake out? One position should have eyes on it throughout the game.
James Lynch
Lynch has been quiet in training camp, but the free agent signing could have a role. He projects similar to Shemar Turner in that he could play edge on run downs and slide inside to defend the pass. Does he get looks in this role, and what do his opportunities say about his roster chances?
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