Live from Bear Country - Training Camp

[IsaiasG]

Bear-Eating-Fruit-Shutterstock-FWP.jpg

With the end of AWFL training camp approaching and preseason just around the corner there’s no better time to go over the state of the roster for the Chicago Bears heading into this next season and beyond. Without further ado…

Quarterbacks

(R)Justin Fields, Andy Dalton, Nick Foles

For the first time in their history the Bears have an honest to god franchise level QB. It’s Fields and its his team for as long as he wants it to be. Foles and Dalton provide solid backup depth for as long as they stick around as well.

Current: A
Future: A+
Depth: B

Running Back

David Montgomery, Damien Williams, (R)Khalil Herbert, Tarik Cohen

Montgomery is entrenched as the starter and is an every down workhorse that can be relied upon. Williams has been one of the top performers in camp showing excellent burst and is in line for a bigger role than many would anticipate. Herbert has a ways to go for any snaps but should make the roster. Cohen is the jack of all trades and will be a target monster and security blanket for Fields.

Current: B
Future: B
Depth: B+


Wide Receiver

Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, Riley Ridley, Javon Wims

A Rob is clearly the star of the show here and can do anything you ask of a true number one target, with Mooney and Goodwin here to complement him through pure speed. The depth is going to be an issue and look for moves to be made in that area sooner than later.

Current: A-
Future: B
Depth: D+

Tight End

Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet, Jesse James

Cole Kmet is still yet to take the leap into trusted starter but the coaching staff is happy with his progress nonetheless. Jimmy Graham is in line to remain the starter and the hope is to squeeze one more year out of the veteran.

Current: C
Future: B-
Depth: B+

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: Jason Peters, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, (R)Larry Borom, Germain IFedi

The clear glaring weakness of the team and that’s before highly touted rookie Teven Jenkins injury. If he can make a recovery at some point this year look for him to slot in at RG. The only two you can actively feel confident in here are Daniels and Whitehair. Help needed is an understatement.

Current: D
Future: C
Depth: F-

Defensive Line

Projected Starters: Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols

Following the weak point is the strongest part of the team both literally and metaphorically. The only concern these three give you is being able to afford them all with Goldman already cashed out and Hicks and Nichols up for extensions after the year.

Current: A
Future: B
Depth: C+

Edge

Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, Jerry Attaochu, Trevis Gipson

While the Raiders are still trying to justify winning the Mack trade by asking to trade for Khalil Mack, the Bears know they’re starting another season with the best Edge in football. Robert Quinn is a very overpaid but solid complimentary player. The depth needs more addressing not that anyone will be able to replace Mack.

Current: A
Future: B-
Depth: D

Linebacker

Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathen, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Christian Jones

Smith is the heart of this defense and is one of the leagues young defensive stars. While questions remain over his future for as long as he’s here Trevathen provides a very solid veteran partner. Iyiegbuniwe has had a tremendous camp and could be eating into Trevathen’s role this year thanks to his superior athleticism.

Current: A-
Future: A
Depth: C

Cornerback

Jaylon Johnson, Desmond Trufant, Kindle Vildor, (R)Thomas Graham Jr, Artie Burns

Thanks to the very questionable release of Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller this group is left with more questions than answers. Johnson is a piece to build around but who starts opposite him is an open book with Trufant looking the favorite. Vildor looks to be the nickel corner but how lonog that can be sustained is up fot debate. Maybe even more than O-line this is an area in need of immediate help.

Current: C
Future: C
Depth: F

Safety

Eddie Jackson, Tashuan Gipson, Deon Bush, Deandre Houston-Carson

Another stalwart of the defense is ballhawk Eddie Jackson. Much like trevathen, Gipson is a solid veteran that does his job as asked. The depth is not something to be relied on.

Current: B+
Future: B-
Depth F+

Overall, the offense is going to be massively dependent on Fields making quick decisions and being able to create and extend plays from difficult situations to succeed. This is not the ideal situation you want for him, but he looks to be up for the task and will have good help from the running game and skill position players. Defensively the team is as solid as its ever been since Mack arrived and look for the unit to cause disruption everywhere they go.