Players with the most to gain during training camp part 1
We're just a weekend away from the start of the Chicago Bears training camp, and there are plenty of storylines to watch. Coming off a disappointing season that saw the introduction of a new regime, the roster is much different than last year and many new faces have a chance to earn important spots. Let's take a look at 3 Bears players with the most to gain during training camp.
Braxton Jones
The offensive line still has many unanswered questions heading into training camp, starting with what exactly the starting combination will be. The only locks right now appear to be Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick at left guard and center, which leaves an opportunity for fifth-round rookie Braxton Jones to land the starting left tackle spot.
Jones has emerged as a contender for the left tackle job after getting a look with the first team during the final week of organized team activities and the entirety of mandatory minicamp. Last year's second-round pick Teven Jenkins was moved to the second team and Larry Borom moved to right tackle to accommodate Jones. While Jones has a chance to lock down the starting job, he's going to need a strong camp to earn his spot.
Khalil Herbert
Luke Getsy is bringing a new offense in Chicago, one that promises to be a run-heavy scheme featuring both David Montgomery and second-year back Khalil Herbert. Herbert is coming off an encouraging rookie season, where he showed he could eventually turn into a starting running back down the road.
While Montgomery will be the primary back on offense, Herbert will get plenty of opportunities to pound the rock and take advantage of opposing defenses. We'll get our first look at exactly what that will look like come training camp. But given Getsy hails from Green Bay, it should look a lot like the tandem of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, who were one of the league's best running back duos last season.
Trevis Gipson
Following the departure of Khalil Mack this offseason, there's a starting edge rusher spot up for grabs opposite Robert Quinn. Right now, third-year pro Trevis Gipson is the favorite to land the role. But he'll have to battle newcomer Al-Quadin Muhammad for the starting job.
Gipson showed his potential as a starting edge rusher last season when he filled in for the injured Mack. Gipson totaled seven sacks and benefitted from Quinn being the focus for opposing offenses. With the Bears transitioning to a 4-3 defense, Gipson gets to move back to his natural defensive end position, which should only benefit him heading into an important year.
