By Steve Soucie/The Daily Journal
Much of the attention in Chicago Bears Training Camp has been about the abundant battles for starting positions.
Garnering less attention, however, are the battles to simply obtain a roster spot. Only 53 players will make the roster at the conclusion of camp, and while this camp is less than a week old, some players are already making declarative statements toward earning those coveted spaces.
Several positions are poised to provide the most intrigue as camp develops. Let’s take a look at some of the key battles.
Third quarterback
Regardless of who wins the Rex Grossman-Kyle Orton duel for the starting position, the third quarterback situation solved itself on Friday.
With the release of Southern Illinois’ Nick Hill, Caleb Hanie was left as the only other quarterback in camp.
Hanie, however, could likely benefit more from a year on the practice squad, but unless the Bears bring in a veteran (Tampa Bay’s Chris Simms still remains the most persistent rumor) Hanie will likely take that roster spot by default.
Running back count
The Bears will almost certainly only carry one fullback (Jason McKie) but the running back situation hangs almost solely on the health of Kevin Jones. If Jones is ready for Game 1, Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte and Jones look like locks, which might leave second-year man Garrett Wolfe as the odd man out.
Wide receiver roles
The problem with not having clearly defined roles in this area is that it’s hard to figure out exactly where each player fits in the puzzle.
One bonus of Devin Hester providing dual responsibility as a return man means the Bears might have extra room at this position for another body. Best guess has the team keeping six with Hester, Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd, Rashied Davis, Earl Bennett and Mark Bradley getting the nod.
Deserving Mike Haas looks as if he’s fighting yet another uphill battle for a roster spot.
Tight ends provide clarity
Probably the easiest position to sort out is at tight end. Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark lead the way, while rookie Kellen Davis has shown flashes of being a real asset.
Eight or nine big men?
This is where the flexibility of offensive linemen comes in handy. Although it seems almost certain that John St. Clair will be moving inside to play guard, his ability to play tackle as well might allow the Bears some flexibility.
That’s probably a blessing too considering after John Tait, No. 1 draft pick Chris Williams and St. Clair are the only players in camp with significant experience at tackle.
If the Bears go with eight linemen, Tait, Williams, St. Clair, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Terrence Metcalf and Joshua Beekman seem secure.
But a battle rages between Tyler Reed, Anthony Oakley, Kirk Barton, Ryan Poles and Cody Balough for what might amount to one roster spot.
In the trenches
The top three defensive ends are unquestioned with Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson. Israel Idonije is a flexible defensive lineman capable of playing either tackle or end and that versatility goes a long way to him nailing down a roster spot.
Last year’s second-round draft choice Dan Bazuin can’t seem to stay healthy and the other candidates have done nothing to distinguish themselves.
If you classify Idonije as a tackle, then the Bears’ four-man rotation also seems set. Tommie Harris and Anthony Adams are the likely starters with Dusty Dvoracek (currently injured) and rookie Marcus Harrison in reserve.
Heart of the defense
Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer remain the starters at the three linebacker spots.
Reserves must prove themselves valuable on special teams and players such as Jamar Williams and Rod Wilson have done so in the past and seem likely to return.
There is opportunity there for the rest of the hopefuls. There is probably room for six or seven linebackers on the roster, leaving ample opportunity for Nick Roach, Darrell McClover, Michael Okwo or Joey LaRocque to make an impact.
Playmakers
The secondary is especially confusing.
At cornerback, Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher are the No. 1 unit. Nickelback Ricky Manning Jr. has been a source of trade rumor for most of the preseason but as of now looks to be entrenched. Trumaine McBride earned his stripes with a solid rookie campaign and Corey Graham may not be a top cover corner, but established himself as a gunner for the special teams units.
Rookie Zackary Bowman may have the inside track for one of the last cornerback slots.
At safety, Mike Brown and Brandon McGowan are lining up as starters with Danieal Manning and Kevin Payne as the backups.
That is far from etched in stone with rookie Craig Steltz still in the mix.
Making it special
Veteran punter Brad Maynard and long-snapper Patrick Mannelly will have roster spots, while kicker Robbie Gould isn’t going anywhere after signing a long-term deal in the offseason.
