People often equate the arrival of a new coaching staff to a funeral because it means certain players who were safe under the previous regime might be gone soon. That was true when Matt Eberflus arrived in 2022; many feel it will be true with Ben Johnson. It is the natural evolution of the NFL. However, things aren’t always so cut and dry. Sometimes, the arrival of a new coaching staff can mean unexpected opportunities for players who were buried on the depth chart. Charles Leno Jr. was overlooked going into the 2015 season after the previous regime plucked him in the 7th round. He then ascended to become their starting left tackle.
Could the same be in store for somebody on the current roster? Johnson may have let that possibility slip out during his first presser of rookie minicamps. The head coach was asked about the situation at strong-side linebacker. That position opened up after the departure of Jack Sanborn, leaving it unclear who will replace him. Johnson stated the goal is for a roster-wide competition, letting the best linebacker seize it rather than somebody who fits it best. Then, he dropped a name Bears fans haven’t heard in a while.
Asked Ben Johnson if he's confident the starting strong-side LB is on the roster right now.
"That 3rd spot, it's up for grabs. We do have a prototype. DA has got a prototype for what that Sam would look like. We're more concerned, let's find our third best linebacker (cont.)
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) May 9, 2025
"And we'll figure it out from there. We've got a lot of scenarios going on in our heads right now of what that could be. We won't know for sure until we get pads on. Obviously, Noah Sewell has been in the building & he has shown good things & we've got a good mix of other guys."
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) May 9, 2025
Ben Johnson likely didn’t mention him by accident.
It was unclear why the previous Bears staff didn’t give Noah Sewell more opportunities. The general assumption was they liked Sanborn better, which is understandable. His instincts and tackling ability were reliable. However, Sewell may have gotten a stroke of good luck thanks to the decision by Ben Johnson to hire Dennis Allen as the new defensive coordinator. He is known for running a more aggressive scheme, built on lots of man coverage. That allows him to attack more frequently with his linebackers.
One thing analysts noted about Sewell was his ability to attack the line of scrimmage as a blitzer. He had 21 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks in three seasons. He has the size, power, and aggressiveness to drive through blockers into the backfield. He doesn’t have a three-down skillset, but what he does well aligns with what Allen wants to do. It would be quite a turn of fortune for the former 5th round pick.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.