Who are the top 50 players on the Chicago Bears?
We have been going through the Chicago Bears roster and ranking the top players based on value. The idea is that without this player, how much would it affect the outcome of the Bears season?
Going from 90-51, we have looked at the 40 players least likely to make the roster. Who cracks the top 50?
50. DeAndre Houston-Carson
DHC jumped up eight spots from 2018 to 2019 but dropped back two spots this year. The Bears brought him back and based on his salary, experience, and usage last season, he should be ahead of Jordan Lucas and Sherrick McManis on the depth chart barring any issues. Still, he was brought back on a one year deal, and it still not a roster guarantee. That is why he hovers in the same spot as years past.
47. Jesper Horsted
Jesper Horsted was a long shot to make the roster in 2019. Granted, nobody saw the Chicago Bears going through as many tight ends as they did. Still, Horsted was one of the tight ends who at least flashed and showed a spark of something in training camp. The additions to tight end this offseason may have him too high this year, and outside of the active roster. However, the value of tight end needed for this roster is apparent, and his development on the practice squad is important. It also may be a slight compensation for the 78 ranking last year.
46. James Vaughters
Talk about a complete whiff. Ranked 85th, I saw James Vaughters as a long shot to make the roster or even the practice squad for that matter. He beat out depth edge rushers I did not think he could and proved that he belonged with a strong season. Still, this is a veteran who once flamed out of the NFL and came back last year. The Bears added Barkevious Mingo and Trevis Gipson this offseason. His roster spot is less than a lock, but after a strong season, he deserves to move up nearly 40 slots.
45. Isaiah Irving
2018: 48
Isaiah Irving has lived in the back end of the roster, but firmly on the roster for the past three seasons. He moves up a bit, mainly due to uncertainty at spots such as safety and nose tackle. The Bears also do need to maintain depth at edge rusher. Still, like Vaughters, Irving now has more competition than ever before. He may sneak on the roster but will be fighting every day.
46. Pat O’Donnell
Maybe it is that the roster is deeper. Maybe I am sick of ranking Pat O’Donnell in the top 40. Nonetheless, he falls back a bit this year despite being locked into the roster while others in this tier are not. Still, it is hard to completely gauge a punter’s value, although O’Donnell has proven consistent most years.