​Training camp usually presents a split reality for NFL teams: some players use the period to break out, while others aim to reaffirm their spot on the roster. For the Chicago Bears, this year’s camp is stacked with chances for young players to take a next step toward becoming leaders of the offense behind quarterback Caleb Williams. At the same time, several veterans and versatile contributors will be aiming to prove they deserve meaningful roles and meaningful snaps under head coach Ben Johnson.
The Bears are determined to build on last season’s 11-win record, a run that was powered in large part by Williams’s maturation under center, his growing chemistry with Johnson, and an offense that featured a top-three rushing attack in the NFL. In the offseason, Chicago reshaped the unit to create fresh opportunities, and with camp approaching, five under-the-radar players to watch stand out as potential breakout candidates during camp and the preseason.
One pivotal storyline centers on the offensive line. Drew Dalman’s abrupt retirement forced Chicago to act quickly, trading for veteran center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots. Bradbury appeared to be the immediate starter, but the Bears then drafted Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, setting off a fresh competition at the center position. Jones will have to deliver standout performances in camp to claim the starting job as a rookie, a move Chicago appears to be betting on given his draft position and the potential they see in him.
Kalif Raymond is almost certain to contribute on special teams, but there is a real pathway for him to emerge as a primary veteran presence in the receiver room. His familiarity with Ben Johnson from their Detroit days should help him earn a leadership role and could position him as a reliable pass-catching option. If Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III encounter bumps in camp, Raymond could be elevated to the No. 2 receiver role, provided he wins the confidence and trust of Caleb Williams through consistent route running and reliable hands.
Zavion Thomas stands out as a rookie with a rare mix of versatility and speed, the exact combination that makes him attractive in Ben Johnson’s offense. His profile mirrors that of his rookie classmate Logan Jones in that he can fit multiple roles, which could enable Johnson to design creative packages for him. The depth chart will demand that Thomas prove his worth, but his flexibility to contribute as both a wide receiver and a running back gives him several avenues to earn playing time.
Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet are the unquestioned top tight ends in the offense, particularly as receivers. They will anchor that facet of the passing game, but Sam Roush has drawn attention as well. Drafted with high expectations, Roush is viewed as a player the team believes can contribute in multiple ways, much like Thomas and Jones. His development will be watched closely to see how he fits into Johnson’s vision for a dynamic, multi-tight-end offense that can spread the ball around and exploit favorable matchups.
In a season defined by growth and opportunity, these players’ performances in training camp and the preseason could shape the Bears’ 2026 campaign. Williams’s development remains the centerpiece, but the surrounding depth—along with the coaching staff’s ability to craft roles that maximize each player’s strengths—will determine whether Chicago can sustain the momentum of last year’s success and push toward continued improvement.