When the Chicago Bears drafted linebacker Noah Sewell, the belief was he would challenge Jack Sanborn for the starting SAM linebacker spot. And that’s exactly what’s happened.
Sewell has been one of the standout players during training camp. He’s made the most of his extended opportunities due to injuries to Tremaine Edmunds and Sanborn, and he’s seen time with the first-team defense at times.
“He’s doing well,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “He’s very strong, right? He’s very instinctive. He’s got good ball skills. And he’s very instinctive. I just like the way he knows where the ball is. He can key read fast, and I think it’s a good competition. We’re leaving it there, and I know that Jack hasn’t had a bunch of reps to be able to fully compete in there, and I’m excited about when he gets back to be able to compete at that spot, and we’ll see where it goes.”
When offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was asked about which defensive players have made things tough for the offense this summer, he mentioned a few players, including Sewell.
“He’s a physical dude,” said linebacker T.J. Edwards. “He’s a big dude. He’s very athletic as well. Just kind of working with him, he understands the game, he understands what his responsibilities are in the plays and a guy who is just a football player. He finds the ball, he’s powerful. Really, really excited about him and what he’s doing, for sure.”
Sewell will get an opportunity to further boost his stock when the Bears kick off the preseason against the Titans on Saturday.
