Training camp gives Chicago Bears' DC Dennis Allen first shot at turning lingering defensive question marks into strengths

Linebacker: Can Ruben Hyppolite II beat out Noah Sewell as LB3?

This position actually has the biggest question going into training camp because it's the one with a confirmed position up for grabs at strong side linebacker.

As for Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, Allen will mix the two up at middle and weakside linebacker. Rookie Ruben Hyppolite II and third-year Noah Sewell will be the two mainly battling for the strong side role.

Hyppolite was mentioned as a minicamp standout but the following week shared he's working to learn all three positions, perhaps a sign he's been viewed as a depth backup heading into camp with Sewell potentially in the pole position. This statement from Edmunds a few weeks back is notable as well.

"Noah’s a baller, for sure. I think what he’s doing with his body this year, too, you see major changes in that, and that just speaks on his work ethic and how important it is to him," Edmunds said. "I think if you put yourself in position to have success, you’re going to get success."

Cornerback: Will the press-man scheme be effective?

In itself, press-man schemes have shown success in the league when the defensive front can get home. But, for the cornerbacks, this kind of scheme jacks up the accountability and pressure to a new level.

Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson claims he feels like he's the best at playing man coverage and is ready for the challenge, especially going up against opposing #1's. 

What about the rest of the room. Kyler Gordon certainly has the mentality needed while Tyrique Stevenson and Zah Frazier have the frame the staff is looking for. Being effective doesn't mean being lock down. In this scheme, it's about limiting mistakes.

"His defense allows you to go out there and build your confidence up week after week playing man-on-man on any receiver," Stevenson explained. "Building that confidence up allows you to make the plays or take the certain risks that you want to take."

Safety: Will there be any pressure for Jaquan Brisker to change his play-style?

The biggest question at safety easily surrounds Jaquan Brisker, who's yet to play a full season since being drafted by the Bears in the second-round of the 2022 NFL Draft and is set to play on the final year of his rookie deal.

Brisker suffered a season-ending concussion in Week 5 of the 2024 season, the third such injury of his career. After his latest one, Brisker vowed to come back as the same player with the same attacking mindset, and one that fits this new scheme perfectly, if he can stay on the field. Which will be even more critical considering the depth concern in the room.

"I don’t have to prove anything," Brisker told reporters. "When I’m out there, I make plays. I go attack the ball and I come down and hit. I come down and tackle, and I’m a leader. So really just have to be out there."