Chicago Bears: Complete 53-Man Roster Predictions

Aug 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Christian Jones (59) against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Inside Linebackers (4): Shea McClellin, Christian Jones, Mason Foster and Jonathan Bostic

The Bears’ group of inside linebackers all have some impressive talent and upside. Unfortunately, none of them have really been able to put it all together in a consistent basis. McClellin and Jones have been the first-team unit throughout the preseason, and while they did not exactly kill it, I expect that to continue to be the case as we enter Week 1.

Sep 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Mason Foster (53) reacts after a tackle against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Jones is an obvious talent who clearly has a bright future ahead of him. The 3-4 inside linebacker position is a perfect fit for his skill-set, and I have a ton of confidence in Fangio’s ability to turn him into a good player. That being said, Jones is still very raw, and while he flashes that huge upside every now and again, the Bears are going to have to live with his mistakes as he grows into an established player.

In a rebuilding year, I expect to see Jones get every opportunity to prove himself. McClellin however, is likely on a much shorter leash. The former first round pick has never seemed to find a permanent position home, but now the Bears are committed to him at inside linebacker. His skill-set has always seemed to fit best in a 3-4, which is good because this could be his last chance to prove himself to the Bears’ organization.

Foster and Bostic make up a solid second-team unit. Foster was once one of the premier young middle linebackers in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While injuries have slowed him down, Foster still clearly has a knack for getting to the ball. He may not have the upside of someone like Jones, McClellin or even Bostic, but Foster is a great guy to have around. If McClellin falls flat on his face again, Foster will be there to pick up the pieces.

Bostic’s inclusion to this roster is pretty much by default. He has shown very little progress as his career has unfolded, but the Bears need depth at linebacker, and he is one of the few options. Bostic still has all of the talent and upside in the world to dream on, but it is time for him to start putting it all together.

Next: Outside Linebackers