Chicago Bears

Bears' safety competition heating up between Vereen, Mundy

Published Aug. 11, 2015 10:17 a.m. ET

foxsports

One of the fiercest position battles in Chicago Bears training camp is taking place at safety, where Brock Vereen and Ryan Mundy are competing for the starting job next to Antrel Rolle.

"Everyone is in this hunt. There is going to be great competition down to the very end," Bears defensive backs coach Ed Donatell said, via ESPN's Jeff Dickerson.

Last season, Mundy started all 16 games for the first time in his six-year career and recorded a career-high four interceptions, recording one for a touchdown. Vereen, who was a fourth-round rookie in 2014, has closed the gap on Mundy in the last year.

"The second year is where guys spike most in performance," Donatell said, per ESPN. "It started with his offseason. He had a good, physical offseason. This guy has stayed in the playbook and it’s going to be great to see him play in real games now. But all of his game, he’s tightened up."

Mundy, 30, has spent much of his career as a special teams contributor, and Vereen appears to have a bright future as a free safety. If Mundy can't hold off Vereen for the starting job in 2015, he'll still be a valuable reserve and a impactful playmaker on special teams.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports