The Chicago Bears are actively shaping their roster as training camp progresses, with several players competing for key defensive roles. Among those testing their place are veterans Kevin Woods and Gervon Lewis, undrafted rookies such as Skyler Thomas, and recent acquisitions Jordan Van Den Berg and Clark Phillips III.
Kevin Woods, who started alongside first-round pick Dillon Thieneman at Tennessee, saw limited action in joint practices, logging 19 snaps and making three tackles. Woods, a nine-year NFL veteran with 121 career starts for four teams, is adjusting to the Bears’ defensive scheme under coordinator Dennis Allen. “I’m comfortable with it now,” Woods said, indicating he has acclimated to the terminology and style of play. After signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Titans in 2025 and subsequently being released following a coaching change, Woods expressed enthusiasm about joining a contending Bears team. A recent hit he made on Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson drew criticism from Tennessee coach Robert Saleh, who called it “cheap,” but Woods described it as instinctive and unintentional.
Gervon Lewis, by contrast, brings primarily special teams value and backup versatility, having spent the last six seasons with the Buffalo Bills as a part-time starter. The Bears appear to be evaluating whether Lewis’s experience as a nickel safety could complement Woods’s role, potentially leading to both seeing playing time early in the season.
On the offensive side, Braxton Jones is striving to solidify his hold on the starting left tackle spot. After struggling with stamina late in games during his rookie season, Jones said recent joint practices have boosted his confidence and conditioning. He emphasized his progress in maintaining technique through the duration of practices, a development deemed critical to protecting quarterback Caleb Williams against one of the NFL’s tougher pass-rushing schedules.
Undrafted safety Skyler Thomas has made a notable impression, securing a spot on the Bears’ initial 53-man roster. Thomas, a former Oregon State player, earned recognition through standout moments in training camp and the preseason, including a crucial interception in Cincinnati. Though lacking elite speed, Thomas’s size and special teams contribution provide value. His path to the roster was unconventional—he went undrafted and was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, relying instead on pro days and team meetings, including a virtual session with special teams coach Richard Hightower.
Defensive line depth is being bolstered by sixth-round draft pick Jordan Van Den Berg and undrafted rookie Jayden Loving, both of whom impressed coaches during the preseason. Loving, who played at Bethune-Cookman, Western Kentucky, and finished at Wake Forest, registered multiple tackles, a sack, and pass deflections in the preseason. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett praised Loving’s strength, motor, and versatility, noting his ability to play both nose tackle and five-technique positions. The Bears see developmental potential in Loving as they prepare for possible changes at the defensive tackle spot next year.
Finally, Chicago acquired cornerback Clark Phillips III from Atlanta along with a fifth-round pick in exchange for defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. Phillips, primarily an outside cornerback during his tenure with the Falcons, is physically suited to slot cornerback roles. He has 27 games and over 800 snaps of NFL experience but missed much of 2025 due to a triceps injury. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds, Phillips ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine, aligning with the team's goal to improve speed in the secondary.
As the Bears continue through training camp and approach the regular season, these players’ development and positional battles will be pivotal in shaping the team’s defensive identity and depth.