Chicago Bears: Predicting the Week 1 depth chart versus the Lions

Our projected defensive depth chart for the Chicago Bears

The defensive side of the ball may not have seen as much media attention as the offensive side of the ball, but that does not mean the defense lacked drama or competition. The cornerback position opposite of Kyle Fuller has become somewhat of a mess. Artie Burns was brought in to be the initial starter while rookie second-round pick Jaylon Johnson healed and became acclimated to the speed of the NFL. Tre Roberson was another possible option, but injuries ruined both plans.

The team gave Kevin Toliver another shot, but rumors are his lack of effort in the film room and willingness to harness his craft during his downtime is why he is now on Denver’s practice squad instead of the Chicago Bears. We have not even mentioned the drama of losing Eddie Goldman or who will start at safety. Here is who we have slotted to start at each position versus the Lions.

Defensive Line

• Akiem Hicks – LDE
• Bilal Nichols – NT
• Roy Robertson-Harris – RDE
• John Jenkins – NT2
• Brent Urban – DE3
• Mario Edwards – DE4
  (Not sure who is moved yet to make room for him – Eric Saubert maybe)

Linebackers

• Khalil Mack – LOLB
• Roquan Smith – LILB
• Danny Trevathan – RILB
• Robert Quinn – ROLB
• Trevis Gipson – OLB3
• James Vaughters – OLB4
• Barkevious Mingo – OLB5
• Joel Iyiegbuniwe – ILB3
• Josh Woods – ILB4

Defensive Backs

• Buster Skrine – LCB
• Deon Bush – SS
• Eddie Jackson – FS
• Kyle Fuller – RCB
• Duke Shelley – NCB
• Jaylon Johnson – CB3
  (Will take over for Skrine and Skrine will go to the NCB spot in a couple of weeks)
• Kindle Vildor – NCB2
  (This one is tough and Vildor could takeover Shelley’s spot quickly)
• Tashaun Gipson – S3
• Sherrick McManis – S4
• DeAndre Houston-Carson – S5