Projecting the Chicago Bears Final Roster – Defense and Specialists

Safeties (5)

Major Wright and Chris Conte are locked in as the starters.

Craig Steltz is an experienced backup and key special teamer, so he’s in. Anthony Walters has good ball skills and is another ST contributor. I don’t think that Phil Emery is ready to give up on another draft pick, so Brandon Hardin gets a shot at one of the last few roster spots. He’ll need to show steady improvement to dress on Sundays, but I think he gets a shot.

Cornerbacks (6)

Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field. Chicago won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Peanut Tillman and Tim Jennings are the starters. Isaiah Frey has earned himself a spot as the starting nickelback.

Sherrick McManis and Zack Bowman are key guys for Joe DeCamillis and I don’t think he’ll part with either of them. The wild card comes down to a couple of undrafted rookies in CJ Wilson and Demontre Hurst and it could come down to Thursday’s game to see which one makes the final 53 and which one is a candidate for the practice squad. I give the edge to CJ Wilson.

Specialists (4)

This is a slam dunk. Robbie Gould and Adam Podlesh will do the kicking and punting while Patrick Mannely will handle the long snapping. Devin Hester makes a new home as the return specialist.

What do you think?  Who makes the roster that I missed?  Any big surprises?