The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the beginning of coaching camp, the place gamers will collect at Halas Corridor on July 26. Chicago must trim that roster from 90 to 53 gamers by the top of the preseason.
With a brand new regime in place – and loads of motion on the roster – there aren’t many gamers are assured a roster spot. That ought to make for loads of competitors this summer season, whether or not it’s for beginning jobs and / or roster spots.
However there are a handful of gamers who seem like locks for the Bears ’53-man roster, even at this level of the summer season.
Right here’s a better have a look at the roster locks and the roster spots nonetheless accessible because the Bears strategy coaching camp in 2022:
Quarterback
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (2): Justin Fields, Trevor Siemian
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Roster spots accessible: Zero
There’s no query that Justin Fields is the starter heading into the 2022 season, the place he’ll get many of the reps throughout coaching camp. Following the discharge of Nick Foles this offseason, the Bears introduced in Trevor Siemian to function Fields’ backup. There’s nothing unsure on the quarterback place heading into camp.
Working again
AP Photograph / David Banks
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Roster locks (2): David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert
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Roster spots accessible: Three
David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert will play a key function in Chicago’s run-heavy offense, they usually’re pure locks for the roster. Fullback Khari Blasingame additionally figures to play a outstanding function on offense, and he’s anticipated to earn a roster spot. Darrynton Evans and rookie Trestan Ebner are the opposite operating backs on the roster, and assuming the Bears carry 5 operating backs, ought to each earn a roster spot.
Large receiver
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (3): Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Velus Jones Jr.
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Roster spots accessible: Three
The Bears have a number of roster spots up for grabs at vast receiver. At this level, Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle and rookie Velus Jones Jr. look to be the one locks for the roster. Though Equanimeous St. Brown, who follows offensive coordinator Luke Getsy from Inexperienced Bay, seems to be in line for that fourth spot. Behind him, it’ll be newcomer N’Keal Harry, Dante Pettis and Tajae Sharpe, amongst others, competing for what appears to be two ultimate roster spots.
Tight finish
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (1): Cole Kmet
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Roster spots accessible: Two, perhaps three
At this level, Cole Kmet is the one tight finish who’s assured to make the roster. With that mentioned, the addition of veterans Ryan Griffin and James O’Shaughnessy point out the significance of the run recreation this season given their blocking strengths. Each are anticipated to offer key depth at a decent finish. However relying on what number of tight ends Chicago decides to hold, it appears to be simply Kmet, Griffin and O’Shaughnessy.
Offensive line
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (5): Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick, Larry Borom, Teven Jenkins, Braxton Jones
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Roster spots accessible: 9, perhaps 10
There are many questions concerning the beginning offensive line mixture. However in the case of roster locks, there’s a possible beginning mixture already in place. Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick are the one locks at their respective left guard and heart positions, however there are three spots up for grabs between Larry Borom, Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones. Sam Mustipher, who’s been occupying the suitable guard place in the course of the offseason, additionally figures into issues. The Bears have three different rookie offensive linemen who seem poised to lock down roster spots, the place the expectation is there shall be 9 or 10.
Edge rusher
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (3): Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, Al-Quadin Muhammad
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Roster spots accessible: Two
The Bears have their prime three edge rushers in Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, who’re all locks to make the roster. That leaves two spots up for grabs, the place fifth-round rookie Dominique Robinson seems poised to earn some enjoying time. Different gamers competing for these ultimate two spots embrace Charles Snowden and Sam Kamara, who’re getting into their second season with Chicago, together with undrafted rookie Carson Taylor.
Inside line of defense
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (1): Justin Jones
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Roster spots accessible: 4, perhaps 5
The line of defense has undergone a whole lot of change this offseason following the departure of three starters alongside the inside. Proper now, Justin Jones is the one lock to make the roster, the place he’ll fill the all-important three-technique function in Matt Eberflus’ protection. It is a secure wager that Khyiris Tonga, Angelo Blackson and Mario Edwards may also earn spots. Mike Pennel, who’s making his second stint with the Bears, additionally seems in line for a roster spot.
Linebacker
AP Photograph / Nam Y. Huh
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Roster locks (2): Roquan Smith, Nicholas Morrow
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Roster spots accessible: Three
There are solely two locks on the linebacker place in Roquan Smith and newcomer Nicholas Morrow, who will occupy the weak facet and center linebacker positions in Eberflus’ protection. However exterior of them, there are presumably three roster spots up for grabs. Matthew Adams seems to be the favourite to land the beginning robust facet linebacker function. Veterans Noah Dawkins, Joe Thomas and Caleb Johnson, together with undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn, may also be competing for a roster spot.
Cornerback
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Roster locks (2): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon
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Roster spots accessible: 4, perhaps 5
The Bears improved the cornerback place this offseason. However with that mentioned, solely Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are true locks for the roster. Tavon Younger and Thomas Graham Jr., who’re competing for the beginning nickel cornerback job, ought to earn roster spots, as ought to Kindle Vildor. However there’s loads of competitors available for roster spots amongst Duke Shelley, Greg Stroman and Jayson Stanley.
Security
Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Roster locks (3): Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker, DeAndre Houston-Carson
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Roster spots accessible: One
The Bears have their prime three safeties in Eddie Jackson, rookie Jaquan Brisker and DeAndre Houston-Carson, who will play pivotal roles this season. That ultimate roster spot will possible come right down to free-agent addition Dane Cruikshank and seventh-round rookie Elijah Hicks. And proper now, Cruikshank seems to have the higher hand.
Particular groups
Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports activities
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Roster locks (3): Cairo Santos, Patrick Scales, Trenton Gill
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Roster spots accessible: Seemingly zero
Contemplating that Cairo Santos, Patrick Scales and Trenton Gill are the one gamers at their respective positions on the roster, all of them seem locks to make the ultimate 53. Earlier this offseason, the Bears launched undrafted rookie lengthy snapper Antonio Ortiz and punter Ryan Winslow, leaving simply three gamers on the specialist place.
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