Chicago Bears Preseason: 5 Players to watch vs Broncos

Here are five Chicago Bears who should be watched closely in the first preseason game against the Denver Broncos.

The Chicago Bears kick off their 2017 preseason schedule with a date against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 10. Everyone will be interested in watching the quarterbacks, but there are also some intriguing players with a lot to prove.

With that being said, here are five non-quarterback players who you should pay a little extra attention to:

Eddie Jackson, Safety

Jackson has been very impressive in training camp, showing off the playmaking and coverage skills that the Bears desperately need in the secondary. With Quintin Demps holding down one safety spot, Jackson could finally provide the Bears with some stability at the position.

His coverage and punt return skills should stand out, but his tackling needs to improve. Watch how he plays around the line of scrimmage: does he stick his nose in every play, or is he tentative and slow to react?

Tanner Gentry, Wide Receiver

The 6-2, 210-pound undrafted wide receiver from Wyoming has had an instant connection with Mitchell Trubisky from Day 1. The two figure to see a lot of time on the field together against the Broncos, so expect to hear Gentry’s name called a lot. The Bears wide receiving corps seems to already be in place, so Gentry might be more of a practice squad player. Still, a strong preseason performance by Gentry, coupled with a weak performance from Josh Bellamy, could earn the rookie a spot on the roster. How he plays on special teams might be the deciding factor.

Kyle Fuller, Cornerback

The former first-round pick missed the entire 2016 season and seems to have fallen out of favor with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. However, Fuller has had some productive practices in Bourbonnais and has looked healthy.

The Bears invested heavily at cornerback this offseason (Price Amukamara and Marcus Cooper), but Fuller still has some talent and could make a push for the 53-man roster with a string of strong preseason performances. Thursday’s game would be a great place for Fuller to start.

Daniel Brown, Tight End

Brown’s emergence late last season has created a buzz that veteran Zach Miller might be in danger of losing his roster spot. In order for that to happen, though, Brown has to shine in the preseason. A former wide receiver, Brown is still learning the position, particularly blocking. If he can hold his own against pass rushers, Miller might be looking for a job in a couple of weeks. Ben Braunecker is another tight end to monitor.

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Tom Compton, Offensive Tackle

If Bobby Massie or Charles Leno, Jr. suffered an injury, Compton would likely be the player to fill the starting spot. A very versatile player, Compton needs to show the Bears that he can confidently handle edge rushers from either side. Compton won’t remind anyone of Anthony Munoz anytime soon, but he has to show he can at least be a competent player who the Bears would have confidence in if he had to start a few games.

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