The Chicago Bears kick off their mandatory full-team minicamp this week to conclude what's been an exciting and productive offseason. General manager Ryan Poles has done a fantastic job flipping the roster in just two offseasons from one of the worst in the NFL to a competitive group of young players with top-tier upside.
Despite Poles' efforts, work still needs to be done. The Bears' established starters must continue growing the optimism developed throughout OTAs. Younger players need to prove they deserve a long look as key contributors once training camp kicks off. And several starting jobs need to be settled.
Here's a look at six storylines to monitor during the Chicago Bears' mandatory minicamp.
Justin Fields' chemistry with DJ Moore
The chemistry between Justin Fields and DJ Moore has already been on display during the Bears' voluntary OTA sessions, but there's something different about practice reps when they're mandatory. As silly as that may sound, Chicago's mandatory minicamp is the closest thing we'll get to training camp until, well, training camp.
As a result, it's important that Fields and Moore continue building on the rapport they've created since the trade. No two players are more important to the Bears' offensive success in 2023 than Fields and Moore, so positive vibes to close out the offseason program are critical.
Running back rotation
The Bears' starting running back job is up for grabs this summer, and we'll get a clue about how Chicago intends to use their three-headed monster of Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, and Roschon Johnson during minicamp.
Expect Herbert to be the first man up. Foreman should follow, with Johnson being third in the pecking order. And while that breakdown won't surprise Bears fans, the number of reps might. If it's an even split with the first team for all three backs? Buckle up. Running back will be the most hotly contested position battle of the summer.
Chase Claypool's health
Claypool is another Bears' offensive weapon who must have a big season in 2023 for Fields to take the next step as an NFL superstar quarterback. He failed to make an impact in Chicago after he joined the team at the 2022 trade deadline, and he's already been sidelined with a soft-tissue injury during the last round of OTAs.
The Bears haven't expressed concern over Claypool's health, but if he doesn't participate in the mandatory minicamp, there's cause for worry.
It's not that Claypool's current injury will impact his availability for training camp. Instead, it's the fact he's proving to be injury-prone.
Offensive line continuity
Like Moore and Claypool, the offensive line will go a long way in determining how effective Justin Fields is in 2023. Ryan Poles took huge strides this offseason in upgrading the group, but they must get on-field reps to build chemistry before the regular season starts. Training camp will provide time for that, but added snaps together during minicamp is enormous.
The Bears' offensive line will essentially have four new starters this year. Only Braxton Jones returns to his role in 2023 as the team's starting left tackle. Last season's starting left guard Cody Whitehair is now the center. Teven Jenkins, who started at right guard in 2022, is the left guard. Free-agent signing Nate Davis will man the right guard spot, and rookie first-round pick Darnell Wright is the right tackle.
That's a lot of new faces in new places. Get the reps in now, even if it's only minicamp. If any of the projected starters miss time with injury, it'll delay their growth as a unit.
Defensive line depth chart
While the running back competition will be atop the fantasy football community's must-watch storylines at minicamp, the defensive line and how players are slotted will rank high for football purists.
The interior positions appear set with Justin Jones and Andrew Billings the likely starters. Still, the Chicago Bears invested two early-round draft picks on defensive lineman: Gervon Dexter Sr. (second round) and Zacch Pickens (third round). They could easily be fighting for starter's reps by the time training camp hits its midway point.
Defensive end will offer drama and intrigue too. Trevis Gipson and DeMarcus Walker should be the starters, but second-year player Dominique Robinson could surprise and emerge. Rasheem Green was a free-agent signing that didn't receive any fanfare, but he, too, could emerge as a surprise starter at some point in 2023.
Edge rusher remains the Bears' biggest hole on the roster. There's a good chance that Ryan Poles will sign a veteran after getting a closer look at his roster this week. Perhaps one of the Week 1 starters at defensive end isn't on the team yet.
Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson reps
Cornerback will be a fun position to monitor this summer. The top three on the depth chart is pretty settled with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson. But Stevenson had some rookie struggles as an outside cornerback during the last round of OTAs. Gordon's rep count on the outside could go up if he keeps getting beat deep.
For now, Gordon looks like he'll play primarily in the slot. It's a good role for him; the position's requirements fit his athletic skill set.
As for Johnson, the veteran starter wants a new contract, which suggests he'll bring his A-game to minicamp and training camp. But if the Bears aren't sold on him being a long-term answer as their CB1, don't be surprised if he spends some time on the sideline while Gordon and Stevenson work as the outside corners.