Chicago Bears post draft depth chart: Linebacker

What does the Chicago Bears depth chart look like at the linebacker position?

Now that we are in the down period of the Chicago Bears offseason, there is going to be little to no movement for the next few months. That gives us a chance to run back through the depth chart and look at how each position looks.

What does the Chicago Bears depth chart look like at the linebacker position?

1. Roquan Smith

With Danny Trevathan injured last season, Roquan Smith took on a much bigger role as a play-caller and leader on defense. He did not take a step forward last year in terms of production, but due to taking on a bigger role, it can be explained. Now, the Bears need to see growth in this new role. They need to see that they can handle the play-calling duties without falling off in plays. Things were tough last year but should be much easier.

2. Danny Trevathan

Trevathan has missed 19 games over the past four years and has missed at least four games in three of his four years in Chicago. It is easy to say that when he is healthy he will be a great asset to the defense, but the reality is at age 30 he is not getting more durable any time soon. In fact, a breakdown in skill set is on the table. It is at least worth thinking about.

3. Joel Iyiegbuniwe

With Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis gone, Iyiegbuniwe is in for a big step forward in year three. With Trevathan and his injury questions, this could be the first time the Bears end up using Iyiegbuniwe on defense for a starting role.

4. Josh Woods

Woods was on the practice squad in 2018 and made the roster in 2019 as a special teams asset. He can compete with Iyiegbuniwe for what is a key third linebacker role but is currently behind him in standing.

5. Devante Bond

Bond spent three years n Tampa Bay before finishing 2019 with the Bears. Injuries brought him in, and with Kwiatkoski and Pierre-Louis gone, Bond may stick around.

6. Keandre Jones

Jones is a UDFA from Maryland. He is a bit small to be a linebacker but too slow to play safety. He is likely a practice squad and a special teams option.

7. Rashad Smith

Smith comes in a similar mold to Jones as an undersized linebacker. He comes from Florida Atlantic and likely will end up on the practice squad in a best-case scenario.

Final Say

The top two are set as starters, and three and four will compete for an important third linebacker role. Bond has a great shot at making the roster as a special teams asset, giving the team five deep, which they usually carry. Jones and Smith will compete for a practice squad spot, and if one has a potentially great summer, they could push Bond.