Bears 90-man depth chart projection shows which players need to make a statement this summer and which positions are up for grabs
The Chicago Bears' 90-man roster is set, barring any additional moves, but for the time being we have a good idea of what the squad will look like going into the summer.Based on all the additions made and the returning players, here's how the depth chart could shake out and where the primary battles will […]
The Chicago Bears' 90-man roster is set, barring any additional moves, but for the time being we have a good idea of what the squad will look like going into the summer.
Based on all the additions made and the returning players, here's how the depth chart could shake out and where the primary battles will be going into camp.
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2025 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2025 undrafted free agents. Bolded players are main camp battles.
Quarterback (4)
Starter(s): Caleb Williams
2nd String: Case Keenum
Backups: Tyson Bagent, Austin Reed
Explanation: This shouldn't even be an argument in my mind. Caleb Williams is obviously the unquestioned starter for this team and who shows up behind him on the depth chart is obvious too. Chicago brought in Case Keenum to be a veteran voice and experienced backup behind Williams, two things Tyson Bagent is not. I still think there's a spot for Bagent on the 53-man roster but he's no longer QB2 for this team.
Running Back (6)
Starter(s): D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson vs. Kyle Monangai*
Backups: Travis Homer vs. Ian Wheeler, Deion Hankins**
Explanation: Based on the additions made to this room, or lack there of, during the draft, D'Andre Swift has a lot more confidence being the main starter. But, another back will take considerable carries alongside him and right now it will be determined by who looks better between Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai. I wouldn't rule out another battle at this position between Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler on ST.
Wide Receiver (12)
Starter(s): DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III*, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay
Backups: Tyler Scott, Miles Boykin, Samori Toure, Maurice Alexander, John Jackson, J.P. Richardson**, Jahdae Walker**
Explanation: The top end of this position got a much needed lift this offseason with players head coach Ben Johnson wanted to bring in, which pushes Tyler Scott down the depth chart. Clearly, all the guys Johnson wanted to add will be the starters with Olamide Zaccheaus as WR4 in 4-WR sets and Devin Duvernay as the primary returner.
Tight End (6)
Starters: Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland*
Backups: Durham Smythe, Stephen Carlson, Joel Wilson, Jordan Murray
Explanation: In Ben Johnson's 12-personnel offense, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland will be co-starters at the position. The immediate backup will be Durham Smythe, another player Johnson wanted to add this offseason because of his ability to block and his previous stint playing for him.
Offensive Line (16)
Starter(s): LT Braxton Jones vs. Ozzy Trapilo* vs. Kiran Amegadjie, LG Joe Thuney, C Drew Dalman, RG Jonah Jackson, RT Darnell Wright
Backups: Ryan Bates, Doug Kramer, Luke Newman* Jordan McFadden, Ricky Stromberg, Theo Benedet, Bill Murray, Chris Glaser, Joshua Miles
Explanation: As for the starting five, four positions are now locked in. Darnell Wright will return at right tackle (despite a random line saying he could play left tackle) and the three interior spots were all filled via veteran additions. At left tackle, it'll be an interesting battle between Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie until Braxton Jones returns from his ankle injury. And it'll be interesting to see how the depth shakes out.
Defensive Line (15)
Starters: Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Dayo Odeyingbo, Andrew Billings
Backups: Gervon Dexter Sr., Austin Booker, Shemar Turner*, Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy, Xavier Carlton**, Zacch Pickens, Chris Williams, Jonathan Ford, Jamree Kromah, Jereme Robinson**
Explanation: In my opinion the starting four should look like this on the defensive front with a true rotation. Gervon Dexter will get a high percentage of snaps but will be rotating on the inside and out. Austin Booker will be the top backup off the edge and Shemar Turner will get some decent playing time rotating behind Grady Jarrett.
Linebacker (8)
Starter(s): Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards
Backups: Amen Ogbongbemiga vs. Ruben Hyppolite II* vs. Noah Sewell, Carl Jones, Swayze Bozeman, Power Echols**
Explanation: Chicago's top LB duo will be returning for another season as the true starters. The LB3 spot will be decided by a battle between Amen Ogbongbemiga, Ruben Hyppolite II and Noah Sewell. ST value will have a major say in the decision.
Cornerback (10)
Starter(s): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson vs. Terell Smith vs. Zah Frazier
Backups: Josh Blackwell, Ameer Speed, Nick McCloud, Shaun Wade, Nahshon Wright
Explanation: Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are the for sure starters at this position, and will be for years to come. The outside CB2 spot will be an open battle between Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, and Zah Frazier. Josh Blackwell should have the upper-hand in holding the backup spot in the nickel.
Safety (8)
Starter(s): Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker
Backups: Elijah Hicks, Jonathan Owens, Tarvarius Moore, Alex Cook, Major Burns**, Tysheem Johnson**
Explanation: Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker (now-healthy) will look the starting spots at safety. This isn't a deep position by any means so we'll see how the depth shakes out and whether or not Dennis Allen decides to roll with any of the younger guys.
Specialists (5)
Starter(s): Cairo Santos (K), Tory Taylor (P), Scott Daly (LS)
Backups: Luke Elkin (LS), Jonathan Kim (K)
Explanation: This seems to be locked in, but don't rule out a potential battle between Cairo Santos and Jonathan Kim. I'm not quite ready to pencil that in as an official camp battle, but I'd keep my eyes on how Kim looks from long distance.
Chicago Bears way too early 53-man roster projection and potential roster cuts immediately following the 2025 NFL Draft
First crack at deciding the 2025 squad.
