Here are the winners and losers as I see them:
Winners:
Joe Anderson is listed as the top backup to Alshon Jeffery’s wide receiver spot. He’s shown well in the offseason program and in camp and has been rewarded. That 4th receiver spot looks like it’s his to lose.
It looks like it’s between rookie Marquess Wilson and Devin Aromashodu for the fifth receiver spot. I’m not banking on the Bears to keep more than 5 WR’s, so it’s a key spot to get.
Kyle Long earns a co-share of the starting RG job. We’ll see who trots out with the opening unit on Friday, but at least they’ve seen enough good from him to put him as a co-starter.
It’s also encouraging to see James Brown show enough to be listed as a co-starter. If things shake out the way I assume they will, Brown figures to be the swing guard.
Steve Maneri and Kyle Adams get the nod behind Martellus Bennett at TE. There’s work to be done by Leonard Pope and Fendi Onobun, who could be on the outside looking in depending on how many TE’s the Bears keep.
Corvey Irvin as the backup to DT Henry Melton is a win for him.
Zack Bowman getting named as the top backup CB behind Tim Jennings is a good sign for him to make the team.
Congrats to James Anderson, the honorary Desmond Clark backup long snapper. May he never see the field besides on defense.
Losers:
Jordan Mills has some work to do to make the 53-man roster as the third string RT.
For as much pre-season hype as Fendo Onobun has gotten, he’s down the depth chart at TE. He will need a strong preseason to make the team, especially since the Bears brought in a proven vet like Leonard Pope, who will ascend the depth chart with a few more reps, to compete for a spot.
Harvey Unga could finally be on his way out if he can’t beat out Tony Fiammetta for the fullback position. Don’t expect the Bears to keep two FB’s.
It’s a bit of a surprise and a loss for Khaseem Greene to be behind Lance Briggs on the depth chart. I thought he could challenge James Anderson for the starting SLB spot. Now, the most you hope you see Greene is as a stalwart special teams performer.
Brandon Hardin, Tom Zbikowski and Tom Nelson are among the losers, buried down the depth chart at the safety chart. They have their work cut out to make the team.
Eric Weems as the backup kick returner behind dedicated returner Devin Hester and down the depth chart at the wide receiver position puts him at risk to make the roster.
What do you think? Who are the winners and losers in your eyes? Any big surprises? Let’s see your comments.
BEAR DOWN!!!