2) The Bears drafted three second-rounders in 2025. Normally, that’s not a notable fact in mid-July. However, this season, there is a holdup on second-round picks signing their contracts (as of publication, 30 remain unsigned). The delay stems from the top two second-rounders receiving fully guaranteed contracts — the first in NFL history to do so. For the Bears, the standoff is significant with receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner all in line for prominent roles out of the gate. If the issue remains unresolved, pushing into August, we could see the rookies’ presence early in the season curtailed — Bears fans will remember Roquan Smith starting his rookie season on a pitch count after an elongated contract dispute. Missed time in camp is significant for first-year players. We haven’t seen Burden on the field since he suffered a soft tissue injury in rookie minicamp. Trapilo could be in a position to battle for the left tackle gig if Braxton Jones isn’t healthy.
3) The biggest camp battle in Chicago could be the left tackle job. Braxton Jones fractured his ankle in December and didn’t participate this offseason. Jones was solid in 2024, allowing 26 pressures in 12 games. The injury could open the door for Ozzy Trapilo to swipe the gig, particularly if Jones isn’t healthy to open the season. Obviously, if the second-rounder remains unsigned and Jones can’t practice, the LT gig becomes an even bigger question. 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie struggled mightily when tossed into the fire last season but should get a clean slate under Ben Johnson. Another competition to keep an eye on is at the corner position, where Tyrique Stevenson will attempt to avoid being unseated by Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier for the starting gig opposite Jaylon Johnson and nickel back Kyler Gordon.