Bears Week 1 depth chart projection after first preseason game
After one week of camp, I predicted what the Week 1 depth chart could look like in Chicago. After another week of practices and the first preseason game, things are a little more clear. The Bears defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-17 on Saturday. It's preseason, so the end result doesn't matter, but it's encouraging to win […]
After one week of camp, I predicted what the Week 1 depth chart could look like in Chicago. After another week of practices and the first preseason game, things are a little more clear.
The Bears defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-17 on Saturday. It's preseason, so the end result doesn't matter, but it's encouraging to win these games regardless.
There were some nice surprises and even a few highlight plays in the preseason opener. Let's take a look and see if our projected depth chart looks any different.
OFFENSE
| Position | Starter | Player 2 | Player 3 | Player 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterback | Justin Fields | PJ Walker | ||
Running back | Khalil Herbert | D’Onta Foreman | Roschon Johnson | Travis Homer. Khari Blasingame(FB) |
Left receiver | DJ Moore | Equanimeous St. Brown | ||
Slot receiver | Darnell Mooney | Tyler Scott | ||
Right receiver | Chase Claypool | Nsimba Webster | ||
Tight end | Cole Kmet | Robert Tonyan | Stephen Carlson | |
Left tackle | Braxton Jones | Larry Borom | ||
Left guard | Teven Jenkins | |||
Center | Cody Whitehair | Lucas Patrick | ||
Right guard | Nate Davis | Ja’Tyre Carter | Dieter Eiselen | |
Right tackle | Darnell Wright |
There are a few changes on offense. I didn't factor this solely on one preseason game, but rather camp chatter and this game.
I was impressed by Tyson Bagent in the limited snaps he got, but I'm still not sure he's ready to make the team. If the Bears keep three QBs, it likely means no Blasingame. I still think Blasingame makes the team due to his special teams and receiving abilities.
Nothing has changed regarding the running backs, but Johnson could move up soon.
Velus Jones Jr. had created some positive momentum and then ruined it during this game. Jones lost a fumble and only collected seven yards on two returns. Webster, on the other hand, had a nice 15-yard return, caught a pass for 15 yards, and collected a tackle. I have Webster making it for now over Jones, but this competition is far from over.
At the tight end position, I think the veteran Carlson is now easily the favorite to land the third spot. With a FB, you don't need four TEs.
Ja'Tyre Carter was phenomenal on Saturday, earning a 93.9 PFF grade, which was the best on the team. His spot is probably secured at this point. Eiselen also had a good game and I think he's making his case as well. With the flexibility of Whitehair and Jenkins, I'm fine with Borom being the only true backup tackle.
DEFENSE
| Position | Starter | Player 2 | Player 3 | Player 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Defensive end | DeMarcus Walker | Jalen Harris | ||
Nose tackle | Zacch Pickens | Andrew Billings | ||
Defensive tackle | Justin Jones | Gervon Dexter Sr. | ||
Defensive end | Yannick Ngakoue | Trevis Gipson | Terrell Lewis | |
Weakside linebacker | TJ Edwards | Micah Baskerville | ||
Middle linebacker | Tremaine Edmunds | Noah Sewell | ||
Strongside linebacker | Jack Sanborn | Dylan Cole | ||
Left corner | Jaylon Johnson | Terell Smith | ||
Free safety | Eddie Jackson | Elijah Hicks | AJ Thomas | |
Strong safety | Jaquan Brisker | Bralen Trahan | ||
Right corner | Tyrique Stevenson | Jaylon Jones | ||
Nickel | Kyler Gordon |
The defense also has several changes.
For starters, I have UDFA Jalen Harris cracking the roster ahead of Rasheem Green and Dominique Robinson. The rookie collected 1.5 sacks and three QB hits in his debut, flashing high-upside potential that the Bears desperately need on the edge. On the other side, Ngakoue is the unquestioned starter, with Gipson and Lewis rotating in.
Elsewhere on the defensive line, I have rookie Zacch Pickens taking over the starting spot from Billings. Billings looked slow in his debut and Pickens looked explosive. I still kept the same four tackles, however, as this group is set.
At linebacker, we kept everything the same except Baskerville replaced Gates.
I kept six corners last time, but this time I only saw a need to keep five. Vildor hasn't impressed much in camp and the team should opt to go with the younger guys. Jones looks like he could be a valuable piece on special teams.
Finally, I decided to keep five safeties after keeping just four last time. Thomas had a nice game against the Titans, and Trahan continues to shine as a UDFA. This is a good group.
SPECIAL TEAMS
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
Punter | Trenton Gill |
Kicker | Cairo Santos |
Long snapper | Patrick Scales |
No changes here. Santos went 3/3 on FGs, including a long of 49 yards, and also made both of his extra points. Gill averaged 50.0 yards on his four punts and downed one inside the 20.
Three Bears who impressed in preseason opener against Titans
A couple of young players had impact performances to open the preseason.
