Analyzing the Bears’ new waiver wire additions
The Chicago Bears added some new faces to the roster after claiming seven players off waivers last week in offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, defensive tackle Armon Watts, receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, linebacker Sterling Weatherford, defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, cornerback Josh Blackwell and tight end Trevon Wesco.
General manager Ryan Poles landed some talented players with plenty of potential as he continues to build his roster.
Our Bears Wire staff is sharing their thoughts on the seven new waiver wire additions to the roster.
Alyssa Barbieri
Chris Unger/Getty Images
Bears GM Ryan Poles certainly made use of the unlimited waiver-wire claims element as he continues to retool the roster. Poles added players at positions of need, and they were the kind of moves that will either have an immediate impact (like Armon Watts) or those that factor into the long-term plans of the team (like Alex Leatherwood and Ihmir Smith-Marsette).
Poles added a couple of veterans in Watts and tight end Trevon Wesco, but he’s also taking a swing on some young talent panning out with the addition of Leatherwood, Smith-Marsette and three undrafted rookies in Josh Blackwell, Kingsley Jonathan and Sterling Weatherford, who flashed this preseason.
My favorite additions were their most-talked about in Leatherwood, Watts and Smith-Marsette, and it speaks to Poles’ eye for talent. While Leatherwood flamed out quickly with the Raiders, there’s a reason he was a dominant force at Alabama. Now, Poles is banking on this coaching staff to get the most out of him. It certainly helps that he still has three years left on his rookie deal (with a fifth-year option).
Watts was one of the most shocking cuts, but it also made sense given Minnesota’s scheme change. Poles found a dominant 4-3 nose tackle who could serve as an immediate contributor on this defense alongside Justin Jones. Smith-Marsette, entering his second season, is another young wideout who could develop into a contributor down the line. He possesses 4.43 speed and is a threat in the vertical passing game. He’s also someone who gets plenty of yards after the catch, and his upside made him an obvious choice to claim for a Bears team looking to add weapons around Justin Fields.
Brendan Sugrue
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Poles told everyone the roster could look significantly different from the team that played their second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks a few weeks ago and he wasn’t lying. The Bears made a bevy of moves, claiming seven players following roster cutdowns and I like the aggressiveness. Poles clearly saw holes in the roster and maximized their waiver position to find potential diamonds in the rough to improve the team.
The Bears are taking swings at young players that show potential and want to see who can rise to the top. Offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood is the poster child for this approach, cast off from the Las Vegas Raiders after just one season. Does he have a spot as a starter on the offensive line right now? Probably not, but if he can rework his mechanics while not being counted on to play every week, that could bode well for 2023 when the front office will have a better idea about the offensive line as a whole.
The other two acquisitions of note for me were from the division rivals to the northwest. Defensive tackle Armon Watts and wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette were waived by the Minnesota Vikings and the Bears pounced quickly on both. Watts has the chance to become a starting defensive lineman almost immediately and Smith-Marsette could become a key target as the season progresses.
Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are banking on the best players rising to the top thanks to competition. Even as the regular season approaches, that’s going to be a sentiment that persists all year long and it’s a welcome change.
Ryan Fedrau
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The Bears shocked me when they picked up Alex Leatherwood. The former first-round pick struggled with Las Vegas, but has a chance to revive his career in Chicago.
Leatherwood is going to make the biggest impact of the seven signings. Chicago’s offensive line didn’t improve as much as fans expected early during free agency, but within the last month, Ryan Poles added three new studs.
Let’s see if Leatherwood can live up to his first round potential and protect Justin Fields in 2022. It’s a low risk, high reward pick up.
For the other six signings, I like Poles’ adding depth in much needed places. The names don’t jump off the page, but Chicago needs depth. Overall, great week for Poles.
Jarrett Bailey
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Leatherwood is the obvious choice in terms of the most eyebrow-raising addition to the roster. He struggled immensely at tackle for the Raiders, but could thrive if moved inside to guard. The transition won’t be perfect, but the Bears aren’t exactly a contender, so they can afford to be patient. Taking a flier on Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a solid move, as well, especially with the Bears receiving room in the current state it’s in.
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