Third Bears starting linebacker spot could come down to Hyppolite vs. Sewell
We’re ranking the top-five position battles to watch during training camp. Here’s a look at No. 2 on the list. Check back each day this week for the next installment.
No. 2 Linebacker
Returning players: Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, Noah Sewell, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Carl Jones
Departed player: Jack Sanborn
Newcomers: Ruben Hyppolite II, Power Echols, Swayze Bozeman
Why it’s worth watching: The linebackers group will be an interesting one to watch this training camp. Even though the unit has two returning starters, there will be plenty of intrigue about the group’s future.
Edmunds and Edwards both return for their third straight season as starters after Poles signed them both in 2023. Over two seasons Edmunds has 223 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 sack while Edwards collected 284 tackles, 4 interceptions and 6.5 sacks. They’ve also provided valuable veteran leadership for a young defense.
Poles rewarded Edwards with a two-year extension this offseason that will keep him in town through the 2027 season. Edmunds still has two years left on his contract but might need to prove how he fits in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system.
The Bears will have an opening for their third linebacker in the “sam,” spot. Sanborn played the spot over the past few seasons and had 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks in a more limited role last year. Poles decided not to bring back Sanborn, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
Both Hyppolite and Sewell will likely battle it out for that final starting spot. Sewell will try to prove he deserves more playing time after Poles drafted him in the fifth round in 2023. He had 13 tackles and 2 forced fumbles over two seasons after mostly playing on special teams.
Hyppolite will be an interesting candidate for the role. The Bears’ were intrigued by Hyppolite’s speed and length during the draft process and selected him in the fourth round in this year’s draft. Hyppolite left a good impression and earned more snaps during spring practices as Edwards battled a soft tissue injury.
Although the pads weren’t on in the spring, Hyppolite showed traits Allen is looking for in the role.
“They’ve got to be able to match up with tight ends, running backs at times, they’ve got to be able to match up with wide receivers,” Allen said during the spring. “Sometimes that’s carrying things vertical down the field, so we’re looking for guys that can run. And then we’re looking for guys that have a physical mentality and a physical demeanor.”
Other players like defensive end Dominique Robinson could try to push for the third linebacker spot and show that they can do what Allen is seeking. But it’ll likely come down to Hyppolite and Sewell.