Chicago Bears Projected Final Roster

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

Defensive Tackle (4) – The ability of DEs Lamarr Houston and Willie Young to slide inside to DT allows the Bears to get by with 4 DTs. After the debacle at DT last season, this makes me a little nervous especially with starters Ratliff and Paea being notoriously injury-prone. I thought Tracy Robertson had a chance, but got manhandled by the Browns interior line last night.

Jeremiah Ratliff, Stephen Paea, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton

Released: Tracy Robertson, Brandon Dunn (PS), Lee Pegues

Defensive End (6) – Impressive preseasons from Scott and Washington earned them both roster spots. David Bass was playing for his job last night and was awesome which gave him a slight edge over Austen Lane in my opinion. Lane also played well the last two preseason games, but has less upside than Bass.

Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, Willie Young, Trevor Scott, Cornelius Washington, David Bass

Released: Austen Lane

Linebacker (6) – I am worried about the Bears LB situation and wouldn’t be shocked if the Bears bring in a late cut from another team to bolster their depth and maybe take Khaseem Greene’s roster spot. He was awful in his last two preseason appearances and I think he is on the roster bubble despite being a 4th round pick last year. Christian Jones impressed both on the field and on special teams last night in his first extended opportunity and has way too much upside to risk passing through waivers. Lattimore and Franklin both really struggled in coverage last night and missed a couple of tackles as well. The Bears like Franklin’s special teams ability, but he was a liability on the field against the Browns and there will probably be better options available on the waiver wire by tomorrow. I think Lattimore will stick on the practice squad as he showed some potential as a run stopping  MLB.

Lance Briggs, DJ Williams, Jon Bostic, Shea McClellin, Khaseem Greene, Christian Jones

Released: DeDe Lattimore (PS), Jerry Franklin