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These 4 storylines could shape the entire outlook of the Chicago Bears' defense during 2025 training camp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kole Noble | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 12:04 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are two days away from kicking off training camp and while all the attention this summer has been on the offensive side of the ball led by Ben Johnson, what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen does with the defense is just as important.

Training camp is when this unit is going to start turning up the dial against the offense once pads come on.

Looking at the unit as a whole, there are still four major storylines to hopefully clear up that will shape how the defense will preform this upcoming season. Let's get into it.

Is there still a need at edge?

Sneaky question that has largely been overlooked throughout the majority of the offseason. That's because it's a position that is hard to evaluate what you have, and still need, until the pads fully come on.

Last year during training camp, the Bears felt more was needed on the defensive line after camp and went out to acquire Darrell Taylor and Chris Williams before roster cuts. This offseason, the front office got ahead of the defensive line overhaul by bringing in Dayo Odeyingbo, Grady Jarrett, and rookie Shemar Turner.

Even with those players and a rotation that will move people around the front, edge is still a spot I would focus on to see if another player could be added to the mix. As it stands, Odeyingbo will start opposite Montez Sweat with Dominique Robinson and Austin Booker as the immediate backups.

#Bears edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo pic.twitter.com/QoRFLCM5IA
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) March 11, 2025

Who is the best LB3?

This will be the biggest "roster battle" on the defensive side of the ball because it's essentially the only starting position up for grabs.

Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards will be rotating between the MIKE and WILL positions with the SAM spot under the spotlight. However, head coach Ben Johnson noted he's not worried about who's the best fit in that specific role, the staff is more so searching for who stands out as the best LB3 in general.

Fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite II turned some heads during minicamp and even earned some high praise from his head coach. But, can he now show off his physicality along with the speed once camp starts to keep creating distance in front of the other players vying for the starting role such as Noah Sewell?

Can multiple players emerge as a potential CB2 starter?

While this is a big battle on defense, I don't see it as a battle for one player to establish a starting job. I firmly believe the outside CB2 spot behind Jaylon Johnson can be filled by multiple players working in a rotation with each other, saying they can all show starting-level play.

Tyrique Stevenson seems like a natural fit for this kind of press-man scheme Allen is looking to run. Yet, the team still went out to draft Zah Frazier and sign Nahshon Wright, both players who had personal recommendations from defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Al Harris.

Ideally, all three players shine and prove they can handle such a high pressure role. And with Johnson currently set to start camp on the NFI list, the door is open for multiple players to step up while he's off the field.

What's the confidence level at the safety position?

Both starting safeties will be returning this season, but the team still hasn't committed to either player beyond the 2025 season.

Kevin Byard is coming off one of his best statistical seasons and will turn 32-years-old during camp. Byard noted his fine playing out his contract and reupping year-by-year based on his play and how the staff feels about him.

With Jaquan Brisker, he finally returned to the field after a concussion forced him to miss the final 12 games of 2024. Health is the main thing for the fourth-year player looking to earn a second contract and he doesn't seem interested in altering his play style.

Yet, besides these obvious concerns with the starters, the Bears didn't make any noteworthy additions to the secondary outside of three UDFA signings. That puts a lot of pressure on those guys to step up behind the returning backups: Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks. Let's open it won't be an issue the team will regret addressing more.