Where The Bears Can Find Leadership At Their Youngest Position Groups

After a 3-13 season, a free agency period in which the team whiffed on its top targets and settled on adding depth by way of one-year “prove it” deals, and a shocking draft weekend, optimism isn’t easy to come by when it comes to Chicago Bears fans.

To be fair, a roster loaded with inexperienced youngsters (albeit, some with major upside) and players serving as stop-gaps isn’t going to drum up much confidence in even the most optimistic fans. But what if I told you help could be on the horizon? Because over at Scout.com’s Bear Report, Zack Pearson writes about where the Bears can find leadership at this point of the rebuilding process and it put my mind in motion thinking about how the Bears were going to grow in 2017.

The Bears project to be one of the NFL’s youngest teams, with seven players lined up for starting roles who are in their age 25 season or younger. This means the roles of the veterans scattered throughout the roster will have quite the task on their hands this season. Interestingly enough, there are experienced players with much to prove at the positions where the Bears are youngest – which possibly could explain their signings in free agency. So let’s explore who projects to be in a position to embrace a leadership role.

Wide Receivers

John Fox believes Victor Cruz has enough in the tank to be a contributor as a slot receiver, which means his duties won’t be limited to that of a leadership role. However, Cruz could be a beacon of light and a positive example for the younger players who reside on the depth chart. Cruz made the climb from undrafted free agent out of a non-powerhouse school to a Pro Bowl receiver with multiple 1,000-yard seasons and a Super Bowl ring. He is also out to prove he is fully recovered from injuries that stripped him of some prime years with the New York Giants. Players would be wise to listen closely when Cruz speaks and watch how he goes about his business.

Wheaton is another player who figures to be a prominent piece of the Bears offense in 2017. But even entering his age 26 season, Wheaton projects to have leadership qualities after growing up in the Pittsburgh Steelers system catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger and playing alongside Antonio Brown. It’s still early in Wheaton’s career in Chicago, but he is already speaking like a leader on the offensive side of the ball as he recently shared his opinion of his underrated teammates.

Defensive Backs

Quintin Demps is the most experienced player the Bears signed in free agency and will play 2017 in his age 32 season. Demps is a seasoned vet who had starting gigs with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, as well as a bit role for the Philadelphia Eagles before settling into his best years as a starter in his second stint with the Houston Texans.

In fact, Demps has already taken to a leadership role during the Bears’ offseason training period:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVX0yq2jwVc/?taken-by=deonbush2&hl=en

Deon Bush, whose Instagram post is featured above, joins Adrian Amos and Harold Jones-Quartey as young safeties who will play 2017 in their age 24 seasons. And we can’t forget about Deiondre’ Hall, who is making the move from cornerback to safety for his age 23 season.

Prince Amukamara is experienced, but also young, making him a player who represents the best of both worlds for a growing Bears secondary. Amukamara has a first-round pedigree and the motivation to prove how valuable he can be to a secondary – if he can stay healthy for a full 16-game season. Amukamara has set some high standards upon arrival, wanting to get back to the prime days of the Bears defense in forcing more turnovers in 2017.

Quarterbacks

Mike Glennon enters the familiar situation of being a starter, only to have his replacement drafted in the first round. To his credit, Glennon hasn’t been shaken by Mitch Trubisky’s presence. Further, Glennon has said he wants to help the No. 2 overall pick any way he can – while also letting it known that 2017 is definitely his season.

Mark Sanchez arrived in Chicago with no delusions of being a starting quarterback. Instead, Sanchez resumes a role as a mentor and backup, which he was familiar with while playing for the Dallas Cowboys behind rookie Dak Prescott. Sanchez has drawn some rave reviews as a mentor, in part because of the experience he has gathered over the years. So perhaps that can rub off on Trubisky, too. Despite suffering a knee injury late in camp, Sanchez has already provided a positive first impression.

As you can see, examples of leadership aren’t too hard to find on the Bears roster. How long these leaders are apart of the Bears still remains to be seen. Which means the young players on the roster would be wise to soak up as much information as they can before they are entrusted with bigger roles.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

Latest News

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

Braves vs. Phillies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Atlanta Braves take on Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Atlanta...

Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Arizona Diamondbacks look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-226) in a season-opening matchup with the Colorado Rockies. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on ARID, live from Chase Field.Arizona's Zac Gallen...

Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Seattle Mariners look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-155) in a season-opening matchup with the Boston Red Sox. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on NESN, live from T-Mobile Park.Luis Castillo...

Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Cleveland Guardians begin their season as -156 favorites in a road tilt against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA.Cleveland's Shane Bieber gets the start, and he'll go against Oakland's Alex Wood.Guardians vs. Athletics...

Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

more bears news