Bears’ projected depth chart at the start of training camp

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp, and there will be no shortage of new faces on the roster. For the first time in camp, players will wear their last names on their practice jerseys.

With the roster overhaul this offseason, Justin Fields and Roquan Smith are probably the only players who are guaranteed their starting jobs at this point. Head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles have preached the importance of competition this summer, which should make for some interesting roster battles.

While the team won’t release an unofficial depth chart for a little bit, we’re taking a swing at projecting the Bears’ depth chart at the start of training camp.

Quarterback

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Justin Fields is the clear QB1 heading into his second year. But he will be the only person in the QB room who knows how to find the bathrooms in Halas Hall. Second-string quarterback Trevor Siemian and third-stringer Nathan Peterman are new faces following the release of Nick Foles and Andy Dalton.

Running back

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

The strength of the Bears’ offense is at running back. David Montgomery returns to lead a strong group with rising star Khalil Herbert, running back/return specialist Darrynton Evans and rookie Trestan Ebner. One of few teams to still have a fullback, Khari Blasingame is the only man for the job. He’s a great pass blocker and will contribute to short yardage.

Wide receiver

AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn

The Bears have the most depth at wide receiver with ten guys on the roster heading into training camp. The problem is the talent in the wide receiver room is a mile wide and an inch deep. Darnell Mooney is the WR1, former Kansas City Chiefs WR4, Byron Pringle is likely the Bears WR2, and everyone else is fighting for WR3 or a spot on the roster.

Tight end

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Like Fields, Cole Kmet can let the new guys know how to find the bathroom and which seats in the position room are the most comfortable. Kmet is looking to break out and become a household name in his third year. Journeymen Ryan Griffin and James O’Shaughnessy will play the second and third fiddle.

Offensive line

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

The Bears have upgraded their offensive line dramatically with the additions of veteran guard Michael Schofield and tackle Riley Reiff. Adding these two linemen gives the Bears a combined 249 games played at left tackle and right guard. Considering the previous combination of Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Sam Mustipher, and Larry Borom have a combined 42 games of experience, Justin Fields will probably feel a bit safer when dropping back in 2022.

Defensive line

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

If Robert Quinn isn’t traded, Al-Quadin Muhammad likely starts over Trevis Gipson in the new defense. It seems odd for Eberflus to sign a former player and relegate him to a key-sub/reserve role. Justin Jones remains at the 3-technique, with Khyiris Tonga holding onto the 1-technique.

Linebacker

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Matt Eberflus confirmed that Roquan Smith will start at weak side linebacker, which means it’ll be newcomer Nicholas Morrow calling the plays as the middle linebacker. Matthew Adams will likely be the strong side linebacker. Fans could see a steady dose of undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn, veteran Joe Thomas, and undrafted rookie CJ Avery.

Cornerback

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Cornerback is an exciting position group. Jaylon Johnson will play with a talented, athletic teammate in Kyler Gordon at the CB2 position. In free agency, the Bears picked up veteran slot corner Tavon Young. The Bears’ secondary improved significantly during the offseason.

Safety

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The safety group also got better during the offseason. While Jaquan Brisker is an early holdout, Dane Cruikshank has a similar skill set. Whether Brisker or Cruikshank at strong safety, either player will allow Eddie Jackson to play deep from the other safety position, this is what Jackson does best, and it’ll give him a chance to recapture the spark he had during 2018.

Special teams

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The Bears’ special teams unit will look slightly different on fourth and long. After the departure of long-time punter Pat O’Donnell, rookie Trenton Gill will be punting for the Bears. But some things stay the same as Cairo Santos and Patrick Scales will lead the way at kicker and long snapper.

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