Bears Training Camp 2026: Underrated Defenders to Watch

Why the Defense Needs a Turnaround

The Bears finished the recent season with a solid 11‑win mark, but the defensive unit that led the league in takeaways still lagged in yardage and points allowed. Injuries limited coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme, forcing him to juggle multiple role players. This camp presents a chance for Allen to patch the gaps and build a more balanced front seven that can hold up against high‑octane offenses.

With the departure of Nahshon Wright to free agency, the cornerback slot opened up, and rookie Malik Muhammad from Texas is ready to step in. Muhammad’s blend of press coverage and ball‑hawking instincts could make him a starter at the second cornerback spot if he out‑performs veteran Tyrique Stevenson. Fans should watch his progress closely as he looks to become a disruptive force in his first season.

Key Linebackers on the Rise

One name that consistently stands out from the previous campaign is D’Marco Jackson. The veteran linebacker, who spent time with the New Orleans Saints, brings a shrewd understanding of Allen’s blitz concepts. Jackson filled critical gaps when T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds were sidelined, and the coaching staff appears ready to give him a larger role in 2026.

Equally intriguing is the depth at the defensive line, where Austin Booker posted a jump from 1.5 sacks as a rookie to 4.5 sacks last season. Booker could anchor the opposite side of the pass rush to Montez Sweat, providing the mayhem the Bears’ scouting reports identified as a priority. Dayo Odeyingbo remains a disruptive presence, and the synergy between the two could unlock new opportunities for younger talent.

Sixth‑Round Promise in the Interior

Few draft picks in the recent class generated as much excitement as Jordan van den Berg. The Georgia Tech product was praised for his athleticism and has already drawn comparisons to established interior defenders. With Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett anchoring the tackle positions, van den Berg will have a clear path to earn playing time by leveraging his explosiveness and developing quickly under the veteran tutelage.

If van den Berg can translate his college burst to the NFL level, he could become a key rotational player, especially on passing downs where the extra speed creates additional pass rush threats. The Bears have shown confidence by retaining him beyond the initial draft year, suggesting they see genuine upside in his development.

Special‑Teams Contributor Who Could Impact the Field

Jack Sanborn returned to Chicago after a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys, bringing a renewed focus after battling injuries the previous two seasons. Sanborn’s comfort level in the Bears’ defensive schemes, honed during his final year with the team, could make him a viable option behind Edwards, Devin Bush and Jackson in coverage packages.

Beyond his potential on defense, Sanborn is also a solid special‑teams asset. His versatility could see him contribute on returning units, offering the organization another layer of safety and field‑position value, regardless of whether he lands a primary defensive role.

What to Watch During Training Camp

• Malik Muhammad – cornerback depth battle and ability to shadow slot receivers.
• D’Marco Jackson – linebacker usage in coverage and as a pass‑rush affiliate.
• Austin Booker – third‑down pressure and ability to generate consistent sacks.
• Jordan van den Berg – run‑stopping exploits and potential for early snaps.
• Jack Sanborn – special‑teams contributions and linebacker flexibility.

Training camp is the period when hope turns into tangible progress. The Bears’ defensive backbone will be tested by seasoned NFL talent, and each of the players highlighted could emerge as a catalyst for the transformation the organization desperately needs after a season that mixed strengths with glaring weaknesses. Keep an eye on these five under‑the‑radar names—they may just be the difference between a respectable season and a genuine playoff run.

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