Each pre-season I like to pick out a few under the radar players who could emerge a possible impact players in the upcoming season. Dark horses, sleepers, over achievers, call them what you want, they are the guys who will have opportunities to become major contributors if they continue to reach their full potential. There are a couple guys in particular who I think fit that mold for the Bears this year. If these guys play their cards right in camp, I expect to hear their names called on Sundays.
1. Israel Idonije
Idonije has given the Bears everything in his tank since he arrived here late in the 2003 season. Idonije played his college football in Canada, as well as a year of Canadian pro ball, before being signed to the Cleveland Brown’s practice squad. During the 2004 off-season Idonije became a standout with the Bears due to his incredible work ethic, and winning personality. He can be defined as a coaches’ dream due to his willingness to put his team first, his drive for success, and his “do it all” attitude. Idonije rated as the 3rd most productive pass rusher among 4-3 defensive ends last season. These numbers should only improve with Julius Peppers now playing on the opposite side of Izzy (as his teammates call him). In order to win the starting job opposite Peppers, Izzy will have to beat out current penciled in starter, Mark Anderson, and promising rookie Corey Wootton. Regardless of who wins the starting job outright, we are likely to see significant time from both Anderson and Izzy. In my opinion, Izzy wins the job in camp and goes on to thrive in what should be his best season as a Bear.
2. Lance Louis
Lance Louis is going into his second season as a Bear and an NFL player. After playing tight end in college at San Diego State, the Bears moved Louis to guard, where he is a candidate to emerge as the starter on the left side. At 6’2 and 303 lbs, Louis possess an ideal size-weight combination to play guard in the NFL, but his best asset to the Bears may be his ferocious temperament. Last year the Bear’s OL could be described best in one word, “soft”. The line was obviously lacking toughness and attitude, an element which a younger Olin Kreutz used to bring to the table on every down. The fiery Louis may be the cure for the Bear’s lack of passion on the line. In order to win the starting spot at left guard Louis will have to beat out Johan Asiata, who has been taking reps with the starters in OTAs, and veteran, Kevin Schaeffer. Schaeffer’s lack of athleticism has all but eliminated his potential of winning the starting job, so Louis’ main competition in camp should come from Asiata. I see Louis winning the job outright and emerging as a permanent fixture on the Bear’s line for a long time to come. Fans will have a fun time watching Louis put his passion on display, and his fire will inspire his fellow teammates as well.
Make sure and keep an eye on these guys in camp. While they may not be shoe-ins to make the roster, they will be contributors, and will put up a hell of a fight to win those starting spots.
