Examining changes to Chicago Bears WR depth chart

The Chicago Bears roster is under construction. From where it was just last year to where it is now is significantly different. The running back room cleared out, and the wide receiver room also has just two players from the roster when we did post-OTA depth charts at this time last year.

Below is how the Bears’ depth chart was listed 11 months ago. The players in bold are the only ones still on the roster.

Allen Robinson (FA signed with Rams)

Darnell Mooney

Anthony Miller (Released in 21, signed with Steelers)

Marquise Goodwin (FA)

Damiere Byrd (FA signed with Falcons)

Javon Wims (Released in 21, signed with Browns)

Dazz Newsome

Riley Ridley (FA)

Rodney Adams (FA signed with Jets)

Jester Weah (FA)

Thomas Ives (FA)

Chris Lacy (FA)

Khalil McClain (FA)

What is devastating to see is that Goodwin and Ridley still are not signed, but beyond that, the depth names have not gone anywhere. The roster left little from top to bottom.

Now, how does the depth chart look differently?

Chicago Bears wide receiver depth chart

X – Darnell Mooney

Early into the 2021 season, we were calling for Darnell Mooney to be ahead of Robinson on the depth chart. By the end of the year, it was obvious and without adding much to the room Mooney now stands alone as the top dog.

Z – Byron Pringle (FA)

Ryan Poles appears to be a big fan of Byron Pringle, who he brought in from Kansas City. Still, the big thing is that not many other wide receivers on the roster even have legitimate NFL experience last season in the way that Pringle does.

Y – Velus Jones Jr. (Draft)

Jones slots in as the number three wide receiver as a third-round rookie.

4. Equanimeous St. Brown (FA)

St. Brown has been depth with Green Bay and knows Luke Getsy well. He will get a shot for more playing time, but can he earn it?

5. Dante Pettis (FA)

Dante Pettis was a second-round pick from the 49ers who struggled to stay in the good graces of his coaches. Pettis wound up in New York last season and will now get one of his best chances to earn something for the rest of his career.

6. Tajae Sharpe (FA)

Sharpe had a strong rookie season with the Titans, where he spent three seasons. He spent a year in Atlanta and a year in Minnesota and will not hope to earn a shot in Chicago.

7. David Moore (FA)

David Moore made some magic with Russell Wilson and earned a contract from the Panthers. It went poorly in Carolina, and now Moore is hoping to keep his career on the right track.

8. Dazz Newsome (Draft)

One of the few holdovers from last year, Newsome is going to try to rely on his return skills to make the roster. Still, as one of just a few players that Poles did not choose to bring in, and considering he did not make the roster last year, he is behind the eight ball.

9. Chris Finke (FA)

Finke was claimed from Kansas City and may have a leg up on Dazz Newsome because the front office knows him more.

10. Nsimba Webster (FA)

Webster actually was on the Chicago Bears last season as well, although he was not signed until August when he was claimed during the roster cut-down period.

11. Isaiah Coulter

Isaiah Coulter was added in training camp last season. He is another player unlikely to be here much longer unless he can prove it in camp.

12. Kevin Shaa (UDFA)

Shaa is a return option more than anything. He is lighter than Tarik Cohen and slower as well.