Early predictions for which sleeper players could steal the spotlight during the Chicago Bears 2025 training camp
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp this week. Rookies and QBs are already in the building, the rest of the team will be joining on Tuesday, and Wednesday the balls and helmets come out.Training camp is always an exciting time because that’s when things really start to get serious […]
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp this week. Rookies and QBs are already in the building, the rest of the team will be joining on Tuesday, and Wednesday the balls and helmets come out.
Training camp is always an exciting time because that’s when things really start to get serious and the opportunities to show out become even more critical.
Looking ahead to what’s in store for the Bears in the coming days, let’s go ahead and predict a handful of players who could look to steal the spotlight in training camp.
RB Kyle Monangai (and deep preseason sleeper: Deion Hankins)
The running back position is going to be under a lot of attention by the coaching staff when the pads come on. What the coaches are mainly looking for is who can separate themselves as a physical player to help complement D’Andre Swift in the run game.
While we haven’t heard much as I’d like about Roschon Johnson from the staff, my focus is still going to be on seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai.
Monangai brings a lot to the table when it comes to his physicality and willingness to block, two key traits he can finally look to show off in front of the coaches. As for a deep sleeper to watch in the preseason, Deion Hankins’ size and play-style could result in a lot of touches going his way in the second-half of games, especially while Ian Wheeler continues to work his way back on the field.
CB Nahshon Wright
The underrated free agent signing got some buzz during minicamp but not near enough attention that he deserved. Nahshon Wright was hand-picked to join this team by defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Al Harris, who previously coached Wright in Dallas.
When Jaylon Johnson was absent during minicamp earlier in the offseason, it was Wright who was taking those first-team reps due to his familiarity with Harris and what he’s looking for in that spot. With Johnson currently on the NFI list going into camp, don’t be shocked when you see Wright out there again with the first-team defense.
DE Dominique Robinson
Another player mentioned by head coach Ben Johnson as a minicamp standout who can further steal the spotlight is defensive end Dominique Robinson.
Robinson was working in with the first-team defense opposite Montez Sweat when Dayo Odeyingbo was out during minicamp and seems to be the DE3 going into camp.
Robinson’s size, length, and speed off the edge fit the prototypical mold defensive coordinator Dennis Allen prefers to have. Continuing to impress with the pads on can go a long way toward earning significant playing time in 2025.
DL Shemar Turner
This is one player I’m eager and excited to watch during camp. Once pads come on, it’ll be time to fully unleash second-round rookie Shemar Turner and his relentless play style against the offensive line, which will present a great challenge for that unit.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen highlighted Turner’s athleticism, explosion, power, and temperament earlier in this offseason. With this kind of aggressive player and given his former penalty issues, Turner was a guy the coaches wanted to put a saddle on. Now, it’s time to let the reigns off to help elevate the competition and intensity.
“You want that edge in your defensive linemen and your defensive players, and really all the players. And I feel like if you can pull that back a little bit, that’s a lot easier than having to push guys,” general manager Ryan Poles explained about Turner. “”I also think that is contagious. Especially with Grady [Jarrett] and those guys, it’s going to be contagious amongst the group. We’re probably going to have some real tough training camp days with some fights. I think that’s good, though. It just raises the level of intensity for our entire football team.”
iOL Luke Newman
Keeping it on the interior of the trenches, fellow rookie Luke Newman has a real shot to standout as a top interior depth player once the pads go on going up against guys like Turner, Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Andrew Billings.
Newman was drafted because of his versatility on the offensive line. During the early portion of rookie minicamp, the coaches wanted Newman to start out at left guard learning behind an All-Pro caliber veteran in Joe Thuney.
Newman noted he’s excited to work in at center and right guard as well. Focusing on all three interior positions and building confidence at each position against live opponents can help establish a key depth player in the waiting for this offense.
The Chicago Bears’ offense is banking on these 4 key factors working out in its favor during training camp
Real football is finally back.
