What does the Chicago Bears depth chart look like at edge defender?
Now that the Chicago Bears have done the majority of their free-agent shopping, it is an excellent chance to go through their depth chart and identify areas of need heading into the 2020 NFL draft.
With the signing of Robert Quinn, there is a change to the depth chart. What does that mean for the NFL and the rest of the Chicago Bears depth chart?
1. Khalil Mack
Mack was much better in 2018 than in 2019. So, the Bears upgraded across from him for 2020. They also are hoping to get a healthy Akiem Hicks back. It can be argued that Mack should not need others to make him special, but he still played well in 2019, he just drew so much attention. He may not have played at quite the same level as 2018, but with more one-on-ones, he could get back to that level and stay more consistent.
2. Robert Quinn
Quinn is a straight-up upgrade from Floyd as a pass rusher. Quinn hardly played in space at all and graded negatively as a run defender. Still, the upgrade in pass rush at a similar cost is likely worth the money. Look for the Bears to blitz less and rarely drop Quinn and Mack back, who will probably have their hand down more often.
3. Isaiah Irving
Irving is a UDFA who is entering year four with the Bears. Say what you want that is a successful find for Ryan Pace. Now, he is not an elite playmaker. Still, in the past two seasons, he has played 128 and 131 snaps as a rotational rusher. He also has 204, and 153 special teams snaps over that span. You may instead want him as a fourth or fifth edge rusher on the roster, but you do want a player like him on the roster.
4. Barkevious Mingo
Mingo went from a part-time player in Seattle to a special teams asset in Houston last season. He played just 86 defensive snaps last offseason. He is making the minimum salary and could be looked at as a special teams contributor and depth player, on the same level as Irving.
5. James Vaughters
Vaughters was a UDFA in 2019 who stuck around for 2020. He played 26 defensive snaps, and 24 special teams snaps as a rookie. He showed some upside and may progress in year two, but he currently has less experience than the two names above him, and both have special teams value.
Overall, there is a chance that the Bears head into 2020 with these five on their 53-man roster. They do not have many resources for the draft and have some other potential needs. Vaughters, Irving, and Mingo all can be rotational pieces who have played on special teams. They can bring in-depth in terms of UDFAs, and if a late pick is there, they could take one. However, adding Quinn and Mingo may have shown that they will not draft this position.