Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest this month.
Rookies and quarterbacks are set to report to Halas Hall on July 25 with veterans following on July 28. But before that, we’re unveiling our Bears 2026 training camp position previews, where we’re breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
The position that has the most question marks around it is defensive tackle, where there are two veterans at the top and not much else behind them except young players looking for a breakthrough opportunity. Let’s take a look at the Bears’ defensive tackles heading into training camp:
Gervon Dexter
The most consistent producer at the defensive tackle position, Gervon Dexter should be seen as the team’s No. 1 player at defensive tackle, but he also hasn’t yet fully broken through as one of the higher-respected players at his position. His best trait comes as a pass rusher, where he was second on the team in sacks last season with 6.0, just four behind Montez Sweat on the team. Dexter needs to take the next step to improve his run defense, which could happen in the second year under Dennis Allen’s defense.
Grady Jarrett
A big splash signing in free agency prior to the 2025 season, Grady Jarrett actually graded out on the PFF scale higher than Dexter last season, but by only three spots in the rankings. Jarrett was not the player that he or the Bears had expected in 2025, where he also struggled in run defense, similar to how Dexter did. Jarrett is most certainly a veteran locker room leader, but he can lead by more example on the field in his second season with Chicago, if he can be more consistent in comparison to last year.
Neville Gallimore
A former third-round pick who has played with five different teams since coming into the league in 2020, Neville Gallimore brings experience and depth at a position where it is severely needed. Gallimore signed a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason to join Chicago and should be part of the regular rotation behind Jarrett, potentially even pushing him for more playing time depending on how he can fit in with this defense.
Jordan van den Berg
Jordan van den Berg is not only one of the most intriguing players at the defensive tackle spot for this Bears team, but he may one of the most intriguing players on the entire roster. Praised for his athleticism coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft, van den Berg, has the most potential of the position group if he can find himself playing time opportunities. Van den Berg was a late bloomer in college, but was one of the players picked late in the draft that was considered a great value pick across the NFL, and he fell in Chicago’s lap. It’s not to say that the rookie will be a consistent presence on the field or get a starting job, but he should find some way to get playing time in his first year.
James Lynch
Another veteran who has been in the league since 2020, James Lynch was signed to a one-year contract this offseason after spending time with the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans. Lynch will serve as veteran depth this summer while fighting for one of the final roster spots.
Kentavius Street
If nothing more, Chicago has put in the work to make sure they have plenty of veteran presence at this position, and Kentavius Street fits that bill. Having played for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and most recently Atlanta Falcons, Street was signed on a one-year deal with Chicago this offseason. Street also had a previous stint playing for Dennis Allen, which could help him find the field this season.
Jayden Loving
An undrafted free agent signing following the 2026 draft, Jayden Loving doesn’t stand out in his physique, but his athleticism is off the charts, a key trait this coaching staff has been looking for across the board on defense. Loving will bring depth to the position but is more than likely to find himself on the practice squad in his rookie season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 training camp preview: Help needed at defensive tackle
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
