This Under-the-Radar Bears Player Could Turn Heads at Training Camp
- Joseph Grassano
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Training camp is one of the most crucial and fun times of the year. Not only does it give fans their first extended look at new players, but it is also filled with position battles, breakout performances, and unexpected surprises. Every summer, a player emerges as a training camp favorite and generates buzz among fans. However, not all of those players ultimately earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Last year, undrafted wide receiver Jahdae Walker earned a roster spot by putting together a strong training camp and preseason. A similar scenario could unfold this season at running back with undrafted rookie Coleman Bennett.
Why Coleman Bennett Has a Real Chance to Make the Bears Roster
While the Bears are set at RB1 and RB2 with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai their is lots of competition for RB3. Third-year back Roschon Johnson is currently the front-runner for that spot. However, he will have to earn it after failing to produce in his first two seasons.
This is where Bennett enters the conversation. Despite being an older rookie at 23-years-old, he has a chance to thrive in a Ben Johnson-led offense. Bennett possesses good lateral speed and great contact, making him a threat in Johnson's offense.
Moreover, Bennett's playing style is one that could quickly catch the attention of coaches and fans during training camp. Running backs who consistently fight through contact, pick up extra yards, and make defenders miss tend to stand out once the pads come on. Bennett has shown those traits throughout his college career, and if they translate to the NFL level, he could become one of the more talked-about players of camp.
Following the first day of rookie minicamp early this summer, Johnson had this to say about Bennett.
I think coach [Eric] Studesville did a greta job identifying a player that is a darn good football player. Instinctive, he has a knack about him. We like to use the term trim the fat and you can kind of see that when he runs the football. He stays tight to his blokers. When you do tha, it's more glancing blows. That's a skll that translates to this level and we are really hopeful we will be able to see that during the spring.
That endorsement alone should put Bennett on the radar of Bears fans heading into training camp. Johnson did not simply praise Bennett's effort or attitude. He specifically highlighted traits that often translate to success at the NFL level, including instincts, vision, and the ability to run efficiently behind blockers.
In 2025, Bennett rushed for 764 yards on 157 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and scoring 4 touchdowns. He added 27 receptions for 314 yards and three receiving touchdowns. At 6'0, 210 pounds, Bennett had the most broken tackles of any running back drafted with 53 (40 rushing and 13 receiving).
That type of toughness and effort aligns well with what Ben Johnson looks for offensively. Although Bennett may not possess D'Andre Swift’s top-end explosiveness, he still offers enough burst and elusiveness to contribute out of the backfield.
That said, one of the biggest hurdles he will have to face is the competition jump. Bennett didn't face the strongest competition throughout his six seasons in college football, only playing one season in the American Conference and one season in Conference USA. If he can carve prove to be asolid back and carve out a role on special teams during the preseason, he will put himself in a strong position to earn a roster spot.
Comments