The Bears published their first depth chart of the season. It’s always one of the favorite days of the year because the depth chart usually is pretty much meaningless with a lot of c0-starters and co-backups. I’ve said many times – these are grown ass men. Are we really trying to save someone’s feelings by naming them co-backup? Since our buddy Deez is back (and if you’re new to BGO, he’s an old favorite staff writer from last season) and used the old Magic 8-Ball to sift through the offensive depth chart (which is actually how Mike Martz does it), I though I would just go straight bullet points on the defensive depth chart. Let’s get to it.
- It looks like Henry Melton will get the first shot to replace Tommie Harris at the 3-technique with Matt Toeaina rotating in as the co-starter at both interior D-line positions. Amobi Okoye is behind but all indications are that he could make some noise to challenge for playing time.
- Stephen Paea and Marcus Harrison will compete for time behind Anthony Adams at the nose tackle. With Adams nursing a bum wheel for a couple of weeks and Paea coming off some knee problems, this becomes Harrison’s last stand. He should get significant time in the first couple of preseason games and he’d best take advantage of the time or it will be back to the Old Country Buffet for Marcus.
- If the names JT Thomas, Dom DeCicco and Brian Iwuh aren’t ringing a bell, you’d better hope that the only time you hear their names called is on special teams. Those are your backup linebackers to Nick Roach, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs respectively. If any of the starters gets hurt (Papa Bear forbid!), the Bears would be in deep trouble. Jerry Angelo had better dive back into that Free Agent Dumpster and find some more castoffs to provide some depth and experience. Lofa Tatupu anyone?
- Another area for concern is cornerback. You’ve got Tim Jennings starting opposite Peanut Tillman. Tillman had a great year last year, but was lucky to play the full season without injuries. Can we expect the same? On the other side, Zack Bowman is behind Tim Jennings. Neither overly excites me. The Bears brought Kelvin Hayden in for a look-see, but some injury concerns kept them from signing him. I suggest JA keeps his number handy. Would it kill the Bears to make a play for Asante Samuel, you know, a defensive back known for INTERCEPTIONS?!?!?
- Safeties have shuffled around a bit this season. Chris Harris moves over to his more natural Strong Safety position while 2nd year man Major Wright moves into the Free Safety spot. Am I the only one who’s nervous about Wright’s lack of experience as the last line of defense? Speaking of inexperience, I’ve heard good things about rookie Chris Conte’s instincts, but he and Steltz in the backup safety roles scare me a little bit.
What are your observations, questions and concerns about the defensive depth chart? Did the Bears get it right? Where do they need to bolster? Which of the backups could move into a starting role? Share your comments.
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