Way-too-early Chicago Bears 16-man practice squad projection after mandatory minicamp

Heading into training camp next month, the Chicago Bears are beginning to focus in on the positional battles all across the roster. During the last month at OTAs and minicamp, we already gotten a solid look at some of the battles from what we've seen and heard out of Halas Hall.Following mandatory minicamp, I have […]

Kole Noble — Chicago Bears News Writer
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Jun 5, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Khalid Kareem (52) yells during the team's minicamp at Halas Hall.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into training camp next month, the Chicago Bears are beginning to focus in on the positional battles all across the roster. During the last month at OTAs and minicamp, we already gotten a solid look at some of the battles from what we've seen and heard out of Halas Hall.

Following mandatory minicamp, I have already detailed the full 53-man roster projection, but what about the team's potential practice squad players? Today I'm going to predict who those 16 guys are going to be for the Bears and give some analysis for each player from what we've seen and heard.

Bears 16-Man Practice Squad Projection:

  • QB Austin Reed: For the second year in a row, the Bears brought a promising arm into camp as an undrafted free agent. We haven't heard a lot about how Reed has looked so far, but he has been practicing behind Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien. Reed is expected to get a sizable amount of reps during the preseason, however.

  • RB Travis Homer: Based on my 53-man roster projection, I foresee UDFA Ian Wheeler making the roster over Travis Homer. However, with the expanded kickoff rules, Homer still has considerable value to keep around on the PS.

  • WR Nsimba Webster: Based on the Bears upgraded wide receiver position, finding a way to make the roster has become a tough task for the bottom of the position. Nsimba Webster is a player who will need to turn heads in training camp in a big way to be the sixth WR but will more than likely be kept on the PS once again.

  • WR Collin Johnson: The Bears coaching staff really liked having a big-bodied target like Collin Johnson in practice during the 2023. While he hasn't garnered much attention beyond that, I can see him sticking around in that role again.

  • WR Dante Pettis: After an injury derailed his chances of making the team last summer, Dante Pettis was brought back in this offseason. His role as a punt returner gives him a shot to make the 53-man roster, but I don't see it happening.

  • TE Stephen Carlson: After re-signing veteran Marcedes Lewis following minicamp, Stephen Carlson's chances of making the roster have plummeted. However, he could be a special teams guy that gets brought up from the PS.

  • OL Theo Benedet: The former soccer goalie and University of British Columbia standout opted to join the Bears as a UDFA instead of playing in the CFL thanks in part to the relationship with Bears OL coach Chris Morgan. Benedet got looks at right guard in camp and believes he can play all five positions up-front. Morgan will make sure he stays on the team in some capacity.

  • OL Larry Borom: Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune listed Larry Borom as a potential trade candidate this offseason and some have pinned him as a potential cut candidate in the crowded room. Borom has 39 games of experience and 23 starts in his career. If the team can't flip him, there's no harm in keeping him.

  • OL Aviante Collins: The Bears opted to re-sign Aviante Collins to the practice squad in 2023 and managed to activate him during the season. His role as a flex tackle will go to third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie but if anything were to happen to the position, he's a player you can trust to call up to the roster mid-season.

  • LB Paul Moala: After making the roster as a UDFA tryout during rookie minicamp, Paul Moala is a player who can make a name for himself during the preseason. The Bears kept two linebackers on the PS last season and like the value of having a farm of special teams contributors on hand. Moala can be one of those guys.

  • LB Micah Baskerville: Along with Moala, Micah Baskerville is a strong lock to re-join the Bears practice squad. Baskerville got called up twice during the 2023 season and played 42 and 39 percent of special teams snaps in those games.

  • DE Khalid Kareem: Another player looking to get back on the Bears practice squad is edge rusher Khalid Kareem. Kareem was claimed off waivers by the Bears last August, but a hip injury forced him onto the IR and eventually the practice squad. He has some experience from early in his career, but won't beat out any of the players ahead of him at the position.

  • DL Dashaun Mallory: The Bears hometown hero is sure to stick around on the practice squad, saying fellow UDFA Keith Randolph Jr. lands on the 53-man roster. Mallory grew up 40 minutes from Chicago and it'll be a cool moment to see him get brought back on the team after roster cuts.

  • DL Jamree Kromah: The former JMU All American looked like a freak during his pre-draft process and played like it on the field during his college career. It never hurts to keep young players like that around to continue developing.

  • DB Tarvarius Moore: Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower could make a strong argument for Tarvarius Moore to make the 53-man roster considering their relationship from the San Francisco 49ers, but if the spot goes to another player, then he will stick around as a PS player with experienced special teams upside.

  • CB Josh Blackwell: It's always a good decision to keep experienced cornerbacks on the PS in case injuries present themselves during the season. Josh Blackwell fits that role once again after playing 26 games over the past two seasons.

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