​Training camp normally offers an opportunity for certain players to break out, while others get to reaffirm their place on their respective rosters. For the Chicago Bears, this year’s training camp provides plenty of opportunity for young players to take the next leap in their career to be leaders of the offense behind quarterback Caleb Williams, while others hope their versatility can convince head coach Ben Johnson to find roles and playing time for them.Chicago will look to build off their 11-win season, which on defense, was led by a unit that led the league in takeaways, but left plenty to be desired in their performances by giving up too many yards and points throughout the year. Veteran defensive coordinator Dennis Allen dealt with plenty of injuries to his unit, trying to make the most of what he had to work with, and can now hope in his second season to turn around his defense into a premier group.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere will be plenty of new names on the defense, ones that seem to fit the mold for what Allen is looking for, and with training camp right around the corner, here are our five under-the-radar players to watch for during camp and the preseason:1 / 19Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)The Bears lost Nahshon Wright in free agency this offseason, and with injuries having depleted their secondary last year, they needed more reinforcements for this year. Enter Malik Muhammad, a rookie coming out of the University of Texas, who excels in coverage but can also go out and make plays on the ball when given the opportunity. Muhammad has a chance to earn the No. 2 spot at cornerback if he can beat out veteran Tyrique Stevenson, he could be a surprise featured player in his first season.Not taking away from anyone else on the Bears defense last season, but D’Marco Jackson may have been the one player who stood out over everyone else. Jackson seems like a natural fit in Allen’s defense, and the two spent time together in New Orleans, and as a veteran depth piece, he may be able to break through and earn more playing time. Jackson was good insurance behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds when they were injured last year, but he’s also earned the right to get more playing time in a defense that he fits in well with.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere is consistent conversation about the defensive line and pass rush of the Bears, but there is real potential with Austin Booker, and he showed real progression in his second season last year. Improving from 1.5 sacks as a rookie to 4.5 last year, Booker could be the piece on the defensive line that’s been missing on the opposite side of Montez Sweat. Chicago has plenty of investment in Dayo Odeyingbo, and while he’s capable of getting a good sack number, he