How will the Chicago Bears linebacker depth chart play out?
Now that the NFL draft is over it is time to start looking to rookie camps, OTAs and training camp. The 90-man roster is now set so the time to speculate about who will be in what spot, and who may make the 53-man roster is here. In this series we will go position by position to project the potential depth chart of the Bears come August. This edition will focus on linebackers.
1. Jerrell Freeman
Freeman is one of the best linebackers in the NFL when he is on the field. He is rangy and is a sound tackler whose hit leave an impact. However, he did miss four games last season with suspension. He has not played a full 16 game season in the past three seasons either. Freeman should still be the most optimistic piece of this defense, but the Bears will need a full 16 game season from him to stay competitive.
2. Danny Trevathan
Trevathan, a similar free agent acquisition for last season missed even more time than his partner Freeman. Trevathan tore his patellar tendon late into last season, and there is a good chance that he will wind up on the PUP. He will free a roster spot up for a linebacker to step up in camp.
3. Nick Kwiatkoski
With Trevathan out, the team will likely look to Kwiatkoski. Kwiatkowski stepped up as a rookie last season with the two starters in and out of the lineup and fared rather well. He is a run stuffer and a player who can step up in the middle. However, the question is whether or not he can hang in the passing game like a rangy player such as Trevathan can.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
4. Christian Jones
Jones is a player who has a good chance to make it because of his versatility. He has made 20 starts in the past three seasons and has been an impact special teams player every season.
5. John Timu
Timu is another special teams option. However, he did start seven games in the past two seasons. He is rather versatile as well, and with Dan Skuta, and Christian Jones, there will be a lot of competition at the bottom of the roster in training camp.
6. Jonathan Anderson
Anderson is another player who will have to earn his job with special teams. With Jones and Timu having a better track record, and Skuta being brought in to fill a hole in this area, it is not a vote of confidence for Anderson and his roster chances.
7. Alex Scearce
Scearce is an undrafted free agent from Coastal Carolina. He is listed as a linebacker, but is 190 pounds and played in safety in college. The Bears may be looking for a hybrid, in the box role down the road with him.