Top matchups to watch during crucial Chicago Bears training camp

The NFL announced training camp report days for 32 teams on Wednesday afternoon

Chicago Bears rookies will report to Halas Hall on July 19 and veterans will appear on July 22. The first training camp practice is scheduled a day after the veterans report. For two days during the training camp schedule, the Bears will also have two separate joint practices against the Dolphins (Aug. 8) and Bills (Aug. 15).

The Bears raised the level of competition throughout their entire roster and that will create some fun matchups for fans to watch during the summer. 

For this list, we will exclude Caleb Williams and focus on 1-on-1 matchups. Although there will be a heavy emphasis on Williams’ progress throughout training camp, it's tough to pinpoint the Bears’ quarterback and a singular player he will be going against. 

Here are the top four 1-on-1 matchups to watch during the 2025 Chicago Bears training camp.

Ozzy Trapilo vs. Dayo Odeyingbo

Out of all the matchups, this one has the potential to reveal the most information. If Trapilo can consistently stack good practices and hold his ground against Odeyingbo throughout the summer, then there shouldn't be a reason why the rookie out of Boston College can't start Week 1. 

When the pads come, I'll be focused on watching Trapilo's speed out of his stance and how he holds up against Odeyinbo's long arms. It's tough to gauge run blocking during training camp, so there will be more of an emphasis on pass pro. 

For Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract, he needs to show some dominant reps against whoever is blocking him, especially a rookie like Trapilo. Odeyingbo is being paid to become a major contributor on this Bears defense. Signs that he can achieve that status should flash in training camp. 

The best-case scenario is that Trapilo and Odeyinbo each win a handful of their 1-on-1 matchups, and of course, both will go against more of their teammates during camp. 

Luther Burden III vs. Kyler Gordon 

The wide receiver and cornerback battles always attract the biggest crowds, and this one between Burden and Gordon will be a must-watch. That is, of course, if both players are healthy. Both players missed time during the offseason training activities. 

When they are on the field and up against each other in those 1-on-1 reps, I'm curious to see how Burden's playmaking ability translates against one of the top nickel cornerbacks in the league. 

It's safe to say Burden is extremely confident in himself, and those route-running skills and ability to make catches in concise spaces will be tested against Gordon. 

These 1-on-1 matchups usually favor the wide receiver since they have the whole field to work with, but Gordon isn't the one who will let a rookie outplay him. When that does happen on select reps, there is no doubt Burden will have a few words to say or a touchdown celebration to perform.

Jonah Jackson vs. Gervon Dexter III

Here is another battle in the trenches that should create a lot of attention. Jackson is known for being a mauler at the guard position and Dexter is a powerful defensive lineman. 

Jackson had a down year last season due to a shoulder injury, and although Dexter had the fourth-most quarterback hits among defensive tackles last season, he only registered one sack in the last 10 games he played. The Bears need productive and consistent outputs out of Jackson and Dexter this season.

Going into Year 3, I want to see the type of pass rush moves Dexter will utilize against an experienced offensive lineman like Jackson. As mentioned before, the run game is tough to evaluate in training camp, but can Jackson move Dexter out of his gap to create rush lanes? How does Dexter hold his ground and prevent that from happening? I'll be looking for those answers throughout the summer. 

Rome Odunze vs. Tyrique Stevenson 

I had to go back to the wide receivers and cornerbacks for this final matchup.

Odunze has refined his body to add more lean muscle that he said will help him when it comes to hand-fighting and battling for those 50/50 balls. Under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Stevenson will be asked to play more press-man coverage. That should benefit the physical cornerback. 

Have Odunze run the fade route in the low red zone against Stevenson and let's see who wins that 1-on-1 matchup. Will Odunze's upper body strength allow him to create separation against Stevenson's physical hand strikes at the line of scrimmage? Once it gets to mid-July, we will see who comes out as the winner when that scenario happens.