Breaking down the four most surprising players added to the latest Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection
The Chicago Bears are essentially off for the summer following mandatory minicamp until the team returns to the facilities in late July for the start of training camp.Therefore, this was the perfect week to analyze the roster based on everything we've seen and heard from Halas Hall. Which includes the latest 53-man roster projection, which […]
The Chicago Bears are essentially off for the summer following mandatory minicamp until the team returns to the facilities in late July for the start of training camp.
Therefore, this was the perfect week to analyze the roster based on everything we've seen and heard from Halas Hall. Which includes the latest 53-man roster projection, which can be viewed with this link.
After going through that process and cutting the list down to 53 players, there's four specific additions I wanted to expand on with more detail as to why they made the list over other players at their respective positions.
CB Nahshon Wright
Arguably the most surprising name on the list. Nahshon Wright isn't the most commonly known name despite entering his fifth year in the NFL. Wright signed with Chicago back in early April and the move flew under the radar.
Wright started his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys playing under Al Harris, who is now the defensive backs coach in Chicago. So, it's easy to see why the Bears pounced on adding him one day after being released by the Minnesota Vikings.
During mandatory minicamp, Wright was seen taking first-team reps on defense in place of Jaylon Johnson, who was excused from a few days of practice. At 6'4, 200 pounds, Wright has the length and size that Harris and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen are looking for in this scheme. Reuniting with Harris, having a strong scheme fit, and being an experienced backup all makes this an easy decision to keep him.
S Tysheem Johnson
As for the safety position in the secondary, the surprising addition was undrafted free agent Tysheem Johnson, and keeping him over another UDFA in Major Burns.
When discussing the long-term concern at the position, general manager Ryan Poles noted he wanted to see one of the UDFAs make an impact to give the team an additional player to keep around beyond the 2025 season.
The former Oregon defender brings both traits to the table Allen likes at the position. He gets after the ball and can align in various positions. Johnson can play as a deep free safety, in the box, or as a nickel. That kind of versatility is valuable to have.
DE Dominique Robinson
Last summer, Dominique Robinson looked like a potential roster cut candidate going into training camp but was able to do enough to stick around during the preseason. Although, he only played a career-low six games in 2024.
It seemed like he would once again be a roster bubble player this offseason until head coach Ben Johnson noted he isn't concerned with what happened last season and listed Robinson as a player who's impressed so far this summer.
"Even without the pads on, he's done a great job of consistently speed rush up the field or countering back to the inside. He's done a really nice job out there and of course he's got some special teams value that he takes a lot of pride in as well," Johnson said.
Being able to turn heads once the pads come on and during the three preseason games will give Robinson enough momentum to make the 53-man roster once again.
DL Daniel Hardy
Another player on the defensive front looking to secure another spot on the final roster is Daniel Hardy. Similar to Robinson, Hardy killed it in the preseason last year and went on to play all 17 games for the Bears.
With the new staff coming in, the coaches wanted to see what else Hardy could do to separate himself, including being asked to drop into coverage and play linebacker.
"We’re going to experiment a little bit with him this springtime and in training camp, to see what he looks like dropping into coverage for us and what we’re asking our linebackers to do," Johnson explained. "I do know this, he’s got some pass-rush ability. He’s shown that over his time here, and that’s intriguing. But, we’re going to look to expand his skillset, as well."
As I mentioned before, versatility is key to landing a spot on the final roster. It also helps that Hardy played 370 special teams snaps in Chicago last season.