Most Bears starters will not suit up in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Dolphins, but it’s still an important game for several players. Here are eight to watch:
Offense
The rookie second-round pick from Boston College has been taking the majority of the first-team reps at left tackle in practice and could improve his chances of winning the competition for the job with a strong outing versus Miami. It will be especially crucial to see how the 6-8, 316-pounder fares against speed rushers, a quality that is highly valued in the NFL, which is loaded with game-wrecking edge rushers.
The rookie sixth-round choice from Michigan State improved his draft stock at the East-West Shrine Bowl by showing that he could excel at both guard and center and has continued to line up at both positions in training camp. The Bears value offensive linemen who are capable of playing multiple spots, and a consistent performance by Newman Sunday could increase his chances of earning a backup job.
The rookie second-round selection from Missouri has demonstrated his explosiveness and play-making ability in training camp while still working his way back into shape after being sidelined with a hamstring injury. Burden showed his outstanding run-after-catch ability in Friday’s joint practice with the Dolphins and will have another opportunity to do so in Sunday’s preseason opener.
The rookie seventh-round pick from Rutgers has done everything the Bears have asked of him throughout training camp, showing his versatility by running with the ball, catching passes and blocking. The 5-8, 207-pounder runs with excellent vision and fluidity and has impressed the Bears with his pass protection and hands as a receiver. He’ll get his first chance to show what he can do in an actual game Sunday.
Defense
The 2024 fifth-round choice from Kansas is powered by a relentless motor and has made flash plays in training camp, especially rushing the passer. Beginning Sunday versus Miami, the 6-6, 245-pounder needs to show he can play with consistency and master details such as reading his keys, hand placement and maintaining outside leverage to contain running plays.
The 2022 fifth-round selection from Miami (Ohio) was one of four under-the-radar players that coach Ben Johnson lauded for performing well in offseason workouts. Robinson has continued to impress with the pads on in training camp and no doubt will enhance his chances of earning a role on defense if he shows he can make splash plays and finish at the quarterback in preseason games.
The rookie fourth-round pick from Maryland has consistently shown his blazing speed that enticed the Bears to draft him. He has a high ceiling and could earn a starting job with a strong preseason. Hyppolite has displayed the ability to get to the ball quickly in practice and will get a chance to show in preseason games how well he can finish plays and make tackles.
The fifth-year pro has arguably been the most pleasant surprise in training camp, using his length and instincts to make plays on the ball in virtually every practice. The 6-4, 199-pounder likely would improve his chances of winning a starting job if he shows he can win at the line of scrimmage and cover quick, smaller, twitchy receivers, which often can be a challenge for tall cornerbacks.
