To get through the dead period of summer, we have been going through each position group on the Bears' roster and identifying the expectations. 

We recently completed the entire offense and began on the other side of the ball with the defensive line. Next on the agenda is the linebacker room. This room has had a ton of resources invested into it this offseason and should be vasty improved. 

Let's get into the expectations for every linebacker heading into training camp. 

T.J. Edwards, Will

Edwards signed a three-year, $19.5M deal with the Bears this spring after collecting a whopping 159 tackles in 2022. Only six players in the league had more tackles than Edwards and the former Eagle also earned a stellar 84.8 PFF grade. 

The expectation for Edwards is to come in and immediately prove worthy of the investment made in him. Look for young players to look to Edwards for mentorship. I expect Edwards to be the go-to run-stopping backer for the team. 

Tremaine Edmunds, Mike

Edmunds signed a massive four-year, $72M deal with the Bears this offseason, joining Edwards as high-priced additions to the unit. Edmunds is a capable pass defender and run defender and will immediately be the leader of the defense. 

I expect Edmunds to be a captain and probably the Bears' best all-around defender. The veteran will immediately improve the Bears' putrid run-defense from 2022. 

Jack Sanborn, Sam

Sanborn went from undrafted to starter in less than a year. The expectation for the former Wisconsin Badger is for him to carry that chip on his shoulder into 2023. Sanborn proved he was worthy of a draft pick in 2022, and I have a feeling he will be even more eager to prove so in 2023. 

Sanborn now has two above-average starters next to him in the linebacker room, which will further his development. Sanborn likely won't be on the field for every down like Edmunds and Edwards, but expect him to make the most out of his opportunities. 

Noah Sewell, Mike

The expectation for Sewell is to come in and earn the fourth LB spot. I expect Sewell to get some run on special teams and become a standout in this area. In college, Sewell had a penchant for getting into the backfield, collecting 20.5 tackles for loss over three seasons. 

I wouldn't be surprised to see Sewell on the field for blitz packages. While not an every-down player, he will impress when he does get on the field. 

The rest

The rest of the linebackers on the roster are… not inspiring. Kuony Deng, DeMarquis Gates, Micah Baskerville, Dylan Cole, and Sterling Weatherford make up the depth options here. 

I expect at least one of these players to have a solid camp and earn himself a roster spot. My favorites would be Deng or the UDFA Baskerville. With a strong showing this summer, one of these players could earn a key special teams role. Edmunds, Edwards, Sanborn, and Sewell are all locks, meaning the remaining five backers will compete for one or two spots. 

Featured image via © Kamil Krzaczynski | 2023 Mar 16