These 3 Bears Players Requiring Stellar Camp Performances to Evade Roster Trimming
Entering the 2023 NFL season, the Chicago Bears have managed to ameliorate their roster compared to their lackluster line-up from 2022. However, given their 3-14 track record from the previous season, the worst in the league, they need to up their game to have a shot at the playoffs.
As the Bears brace for the training camp next week, the fight for roster spots promises to be intense. Several starting positions are up for grabs, and a handful of players may find themselves on the roster's precipice for a considerable duration of the camp.
With a cap at 53 positions, the Bears may face some challenging choices. For the contenders, the upcoming weeks could be critical.
Here's our take on several Bears players who might need to deliver impressive performances in the camp to evade the axe just before the 2023 regular season kicks off:
1. Chase Claypool, WR
Chase Claypool, a potent offensive player, has shown glimpses of his remarkable talent during his rookie season in 2020 with 873 receiving yards and nine touchdowns from 16 games. However, after his shift from the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, the 25-year-old seemed out of sync in Chicago, with just 14 catches for 140 yards, and no touchdowns in seven games.
The Bears have pinned their hopes on Claypool to complement Darnell Mooney and DJ Moore as a formidable receiver. But with a wealth of wide receivers to choose from, Claypool might find himself on the sidelines if he fails to impress during the camp.
2. Travis Homer, RB
Despite recently joining the Bears, 24-year-old running back Travis Homer's place in the 53-man roster is on shaky ground due to a cluttered backfield. With likely competitors D'Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert, and rookie Roschon Johnson, Homer's spot in the roster is precarious.
The Bears' strategy of either carrying four backs or sticking to three will significantly influence Homer's future. If it's the latter, Homer would need to outperform one of the existing running backs. Despite having four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks under his belt, his highest rushing record in a single year is a mere 177 yards. Therefore, Homer must prove his worth in the upcoming camp to secure his position.
3. Jaylon Jones, CB
From an undrafted rookie to playing in 16 games and starting four, Jaylon Jones proved his mettle in the Bears' secondary during the 2022 season. Despite this, with an influx of cornerbacks for the 2023 season, Jones will face tough competition for playtime against the likes of Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Kindle Vildor, rookie Tyrique Stevenson, and others.
Jones's spot on the roster isn't guaranteed, and he needs to grab the opportunity with both hands to ensure a significant role in the upcoming season. Otherwise, Jones might find himself among the cornerbacks who fail to make the cut. Hence, the training camp and preseason will be a crucial period for the 25-year-old.
| POLL | ||
17 JUILLET | 58 ANSWERS These 3 Bears Players Requiring Stellar Camp Performances to Evade Roster Trimming Should the Bears cut Chase Claypool? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 22.4 % |
| No | 45 | 77.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
