Chicago Bears Sophomore Series: Conclusion

In a series of additions which included the signing of veteran backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Daniel Thomas, along with managing the steal of the 2015 draft in Michigan State stud Jeremy Langford, the years of depth issues in the Chicago backfield may finally be over.

Coach John Fox will have a tough decision to make on how the depth chart shapes up behind Matt Forte. With all the additions in the backfield and the noted contributions of Senorise Perry on special teams, promising sophomore Ka'deem Carey might be on the outside looking in.

Sophomore Series:
RB, Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona, 4th Round 117th Overall in 2014
2014  Season Stats: Rushing 36 Rush, 156 Yds, 4.4 Avg    Receiving: 5 Rec, 57 Yds

Rookie Season Recap

Carey was a highly though of running back in last years draft class. He showed great flashes during the 2014 preseason, making many think the team had found the heir apparent to Matt Forte. Considering Marc Trestman's hatred for running the ball, and the effectiveness of Matt Forte, Carey finished the season with a respectable stat line, and showed flashes of great potential in both the rushing and receiving game. However, being a product of the Emery/Trestman era may have cost Carey his shot at becoming a household name in the Chicago backfield.

Sophomore Season Outlook
With Jacquizz Rodgers slated to be the backup to Matt Forte, and the emergence of Jeremy Langford in this preseason, its hard to see Carey making the final 53 man roster. Another road block for the sophomore back comes in fellow returning back Senorise Perry, who is a special teams standout, and sure to have a spot on the final roster. After watching him show great flashes of potential last season, it would be a hard pill to swallow if Carey were cut loose by the new coaching staff, an idea that would have never crossed the mind of Bears fans last season.

Closing Outlook
Ryan Pace did an excellent job of addressing the need for depth at the position this offseason, through free agency and the drafting of Jeremy Langford. Unfortunately for Ka'Deem Carey, the rookie general manager's "best player available" approach led to the Langford pick, which many call the steal of the draft. Will the promising sophomore running back fall victim to the sudden overwhelming depth at the running back position in Chicago?

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/VDcPdowPu84/Jacksonville+Jaguars+v+Chicago+Bears/BTIBpjzp6g7/Ka'Deem+Carey

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part IV

The safety position for the Bears has been a carousel for as long as I can remember. In recent years the team has looked to the draft to try and solve this issue, taking flyers on various safeties in the mid to late rounds. None of these picks have been able to really stick with the team and become effective members of the secondary. The Bears are hopeful that 2014 5th round pick Brock Vereen won't become the next Chris Conte.

Sophomore Series:
S, Brock Vereen, Minnesota, 4th round 131st overall in 2014

2014 Stats: 16 GP, 9 Ast, 30 Solo, 1 Pass D, 1 Int

Rookie Season Recap:
Entering his rookie season Vereen, much like the rest of the rookie class, had a huge opportunity to make an impact on Chicago's defence. Getting many reps at training camp filling in for the injured Chris Conte, it looked as though Vereen would have a dream opportunity to show his stuff for the Bears. With all the exposure however, Vereen didn't perform at a high enough level last season to allow the new management team to overlook the safety position. With the signing of veteran safety Antrel Rolle and more importantly drafting of highly thought of safety Adrian Amos at the draft, this training camp will prove more difficult for Vereen to see snaps with the first team.

Sophomore Season Outlook:
In the Bears preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, sophomores Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson looked great, unfortunately the same cannot be said about Brock Vereen. Poor coverage and weak tackling on multiple occasions during the game allowed the sophomore safety to provide Bears fans with terrifying flashbacks to last seasons defence. As early as last week it was announced that Adrian Amos would be getting the start at safety in the Bears preseason contest against the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday, Vereen may not have much of a sophomore season to look out for. Hopefully for him, he will get another chance after Amos comes out of the game along with the first team, and can show that the first preseason game was not a sign of things to come.

Closing Outlook:
With increased competition at safety, and the secondary in general, Brock Vereen has perhaps the biggest uphill climb out of all the Bears sophomore class to stick on this new look defence. Adrian Amos' performance on Saturday may dictate a lot in terms of Vereens future with the team. If Amos shines and shows he is clearly a better option for depth in the secondary, will Brock Vereen find himself joining his former teammates as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015?


Next up: RB Ka'Deem Carey

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.signalscv.com/archives/128051/