With rookies set to report to Halas Hall tomorrow, July 19, and veterans shortly after, Chicago Bears training camp 2025 is officially underway. For the first time in years, excitement and optimism are in the air at Lake Forest. The rise of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, a fresh coaching staff led by head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and a more competitive roster have fans counting down the days to September.
Before the first snap of the regular season, some major Bears position battles must be decided. From protecting the franchise QB to locking down roles in a retooled secondary and wide receiver room, here are the top camp competitions to keep your eye on.
One of the most critical position battles in the Bears’ camp is on the offensive line, where three players are vying for the starting left tackle job. While former fifth-rounder Braxton Jones may be the incumbent, the spotlight is shifting toward second-round rookie tackle Ozzy Trapilo. The Boston College product had an impressive showing during both OTAs and minicamp.
Trapilo brings the size and athleticism needed to anchor the blind side for Caleb Williams, especially given the quarterback’s tendency to extend plays with his legs outside the pocket. Jones is reportedly still recovering from a leg injury (fractured fibula), raising doubts about whether he’ll be at full strength come Week 1. Even if healthy, he could be on the outside looking in, with Trapilo receiving the lion’s share of the reps throughout the offseason. Expect Jones to make the most of his opportunities as soon as he can practice.
Rookie Kiran Amegadjie adds developmental upside, but look for Trapilo to emerge as the surprise starter. Jones could still provide tremendous value as a swing tackle, a role that becomes crucial as injuries mount throughout the year.
With Jaylon Johnson already securing the CB1 spot, the battle for CB2 is one of the more intriguing ones on the defensive side of the ball. Third-year pro Tyrique Stevenson enters camp as the leader due in part to his physical traits and high ceiling. His mental lapses — highlighted by last year’s “Fail Mary” against Washington — raise questions about his consistency and focus.
Terell Smith presents a steadier, more technically sound option. With a new defensive coaching staff in place, Smith is getting a fresh look, and his fundamentally strong play style could win favor with Dennis Allen and secondary coach Al Harris.
Bears fans should keep an eye on rookie Zah Frazier from UTSA as a dark horse in this battle. Frazier’s size and physicality fit Harris’s mold for aggressive defensive backs, and if he impresses early in camp, he could push both Stevenson and Smith for meaningful reps. It is worth mentioning that Harris may have coaxed both the coaching staff and GM Ryan Poles into drafting Frazier. With talent and depth in the secondary, this competition could extend into preseason, pushing all three players to sharpen their game.
The slot receiver battle between veteran Olamide Zaccheaus and second-round pick Luther Burden III will be another intriguing camp battle. Zaccheaus has made the most of offseason opportunities: learning Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme and building early chemistry with Caleb Williams and the rest of the receiver corps.
Burden’s contract situation has become a hurdle. Each missed day of camp puts him further behind the learning curve. While he’s expected to be a major contributor in the long term, Zaccheaus is currently in the driver’s seat to open the season as the starting slot receiver.
There is no denying Burden’s game-changing ability. Bears fans have not seen that kind of electricity since Devin Hester’s historic run as both a punt and kick returner. If Burden doesn’t get on the field soon, expect Zaccheaus to maintain his early edge. Once he catches up, which is looking to be during preseason action, he’ll likely earn increased snaps as the year progresses.
As for Tyler Scott, the third-year wideout appears to be on the outside looking in. He has struggled to make an impact as both a receiver and return specialist. Now that returner Devin Duvernay has been added to upgrade the return game, Scott faces what looks to be an uphill climb for a spot on the 53-man roster. A trade for a late-round pick is possible; however, a roster cut is more likely. With that said, his days as a Bear are looking to be numbered.
It’s still early in Chicago Bears training camp 2025, and as every fan knows, a lot can change between July and September. With a new coaching staff evaluating talent from square one, players will need to make every rep count. More training camp battles may emerge as surprises shake up the depth chart.
One thing is clear: competition is everywhere, and that’s a great sign. Iron sharpens iron, and this young team is being forged through intense camp battles. Whether it’s the trenches, the secondary, or the slot, the Bears are giving fans real position drama worth following.
With the countdown to kickoff underway, buckle up buttercup, because this season could very well be one wild ride.
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