High Five: Key names to watch in Bears training camp

There won’t be many mysteries at Bears training camp this season, at least not compared to last year when the team brought in a clean slate of coaches headed by Ben Johnson.

Despite the status quo imagery, though, intrigue remains on the roster.

As training camp swings into high gear, this edition of the High Five looks at five key names to watch leading up to the season opener on Sept. 13.

5. Dillon Thieneman, safety

The Bears’ top draft pick was selected 25th overall to fill a glaring need at safety after last year’s two starters left in free agency.

Veteran signing Coby Bryant was tabbed for one safety spot, but the knee injury he suffered Monday reportedly will keep him out for eight to 10 weeks.

Expectations are for Thieneman to win the starting spot at strong safety. But who will play alongside him?

4. Rome Odunze, wide receiver

You can opine all you want about the Bears’ decision to trade WR1 D.J. Moore to Buffalo for a second-round pick. Regardless, the move puts Odunze in the spotlight as the team’s top receiver in only his third NFL season.

Odunze’s connection with quarterback Caleb Williams is obvious after they teamed up last season for 44 catches, 661 yards and 6 touchdowns on 90 targets. And that was accomplished in only 12 games due to a stress fracture in Odunze’s foot.

3. Braxton Jones, left tackle

Last season’s flashes from youngsters Ozzy Trapilo and Theo Benedet were dashed due to injuries that forced Joe Thuney to slide over from left guard in the playoffs.

Amid so much uncertainty, including the possibility Trapilo misses all of 2026, Jones is returning from a knee injury that knocked him out for much of last year.

Jones was benched after four games last season, but the Bears showed faith by re-signing him to a one-year deal. He’s made 40 starts for the team since being drafted in the fifth round in 2022.

If Jones can avoid the injuries that hampered him the last three seasons, he could have an edge over Jedrick Wills, a free-agent signing, Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie for the starting spot.

2. Austin Booker, defensive end

Talk about showing faith in a player after the Bears stunningly chose not to aggressively seek a defensive end opposite Montez Sweat.

The Bears could be banking on a healthier season from Dayo Odeyingbo and a better push from the interior of the defensive line. But the real bet may be on improved play from Booker in his third season.

Booker was effective when healthy last season, playing a key role in both postseason games. He’s already hated by Packers fans for late hits on quarterback Jordan Love, so that’s a good start.

1. Caleb Williams, quarterback

There’s no question Williams has emerged as one of the most electric players in the NFL. But what’s next for the third-year quarterback?

Can he improve his consistency? Will the completion percentage climb higher? Is he capable of settling for the 7-yard dump-off pass instead of going for the home-run ball?

A second year under Johnson could elevate Williams into the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.

kschmit@dailyherald.com