Windy City Gridiron
EDITOR: Click here for part 1 (Takes 1-5), which was published earlier tod*ay.*
6. Setting the table for key roster battles on the defensive side of the ball.
Heading into the offseason, it was clear that the Chicago Bears’ defense needed some work. Following the exit of key veterans like Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and Tremaine Edmunds, there’s still plenty to earn as the team heads into training camp. Let’s take a deeper look into the key roster battles that will be happening on the defensive side of the ball.
The top of the depth chart is set with Sweat and Booker as the two starters, but everything else behind them is unsettled. Maybe not from a “who makes the roster?” standpoint, but health and upside will play a role. While I’m still expecting them to add a name (impact TBA), it’s clear they are willing to play out the string with Odeyingbo, especially with his uncuttable contract. How the rotation unfolds behind the two starters will be fascinating to monitor.
Assuming good health, the top three in the team’s rotation appear to be set with Dexter, Jarrett, and Gallimore. That said, there’s still some intrigue to see how that rotation plays out. Behind them are a group of veterans and their sixth-round pick that they traded up for in van den Berg. Kentavius Street was signed early in the offseason, and veteran James Lynch followed shortly behind. Although they could end up keeping five names, there’s also a strong likelihood that these three names, plus undrafted free agent Jayden Loving, could be fighting for one spot, and potentially two additional practice squad openings.
As highlighted above, health and availability will play a key role in which depth pieces they keep. In addition, they have to figure out how to deploy their starting linebackers. Devin Bush is locked into a key spot, but how they handle the other primary opening will be interesting between T.J. Edwards and DeMarco Jackson. Physically, Jackson fits the scheme better, but the Bears’ insistence on extending Edwards last offseason causes a tough situation due to how much he’s being paid. Ultimately, all three players will “start” in some capacity, but as we learned last year, the “starting” SAM doesn’t see the field often. Behind them will be an interesting mix of veterans and younger players. Jack Sanborn is back in the mix, along with last year’s fourth-round pick Ruben Hyppolite, fifth-round rookie Keyshaun Elliott, the Sewell brothers, and a pair of undrafted free agents. The roster crunch at the back of the depth chart will be fascinating to follow.
Although the depth chart at cornerback isn’t as deep as linebacker, there are still plenty of fun battles to monitor over the summer. The health of Johnson and Gordon will be a focus, but the battle between Stevenson, Muhammad, and Smith for the starting spot opposite Johnson will be interesting. Behind them are...
