Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Linebackers

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back

(23) is defended by Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Roster Projection (6)

Briggs, McClellin, Williams, Bostic, Greene, Senn

I think the first four names on the list are pretty safe bets.  Williams could be a surprise cut if he doesn’t have a strong camp, but it would be a pretty big surprise.  Greene could be on the bubble and will need to show the coaching staff that he’s made improvements after struggling in his limited opportunities in 2013.  I like veteran Jordan Senn to grab the last linebacker spot and fill the special teams ace role that Blake Costanzo held down the last couple of seasons.  Christian Jones is an ideal candidate to stash away on the practice squad for a year as he continues to develop.

Final Word

It’s not completely fair to blame the linebackers for the horrible defense last season since there was virtually no defensive line in front of them, but this group needs to be markedly better in 2014.  Health is a concern for the veterans while the young guns need to step and and answer some key questions about the future in 2014, which is a crossroads season for Chicago Bears linebackers.