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Predicting Every Chicago Bears Starter and Next Man Up

By Bill Zimmerman

Jun 14, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks to quarterbacks David Fales (8) and Brian Hoyer (12) during mini-camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks to quarterbacks David Fales (8) and Brian Hoyer (12) during mini-camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) reacts after recovering a fumble and returning for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) reacts after recovering a fumble and returning for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Ends

DE1

1. Akiem Hicks- The Bears recruited Hicks hard in the offseason and Pace was very pleased that they landed him. Pace knew Hicks when they were both in New Orleans and Hicks was high on his offseason priority list. Hicks was an effective rotational player for the New England Patriots last season and the Bears will give him an opportunity to see more snaps and it will be up to Hicks to take his talent to the next level.

2. Will Sutton- Sutton is another Emery draft pick and doesn’t have a roster spot guaranteed. He may be the leader in the clubhouse right now, but he will be pushed by Ego Ferguson for this spot as well. Sutton will have to perform well during the preseason to keep his roster spot.

DE2

1. Jonathan Bullard- Bullard still needs to develop some of his game. He doesn’t rush the passer very well at this point, but he should be able to step in and contribute in the running game immediately. He has a knack to break into the backfield and wrap up the running back before the play gets going. He will split some time with Unrein, but has a chance to be an impact rookie in Chicago.

2. Mitch Unrein- Unrein is a John Fox favorite and will definitely be in the rotation in 2016. Unrein played under Fox in Denver and was signed by the Bears after the season was already underway in late September. Unrein worked his way into the rotation and make some big plays late in the season for Chicago.

Player to Watch: Ego Ferguson- Ferguson definitely has a chance to make the roster but he spent much of last season injured and was also suspended for a PED violation. Ferguson is a holdover from the Emery Bears so that will work against him, but as long as he plays at the level he’s capable of, he can still prove why the Bears spent a second round pick on him and not only make the Bears roster, but also contribute on Sundays.

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