Examining changes to Chicago Bears DL depth chart

The Chicago Bears have made a long list of changes to their roster. They have done more tearing down than they have built up but it has led to big changes nonetheless. This makes it a good time to dig into the depth chart and compare where it stood last year to now.

We wrote a series of Chicago Bears depth chart posts after OTAs last season. Below is where the depth chart stood just 12 months ago.

Akiem Hicks (Current FA)

Bilal Nichols (signed with LVR)

Eddie Goldman (Current FA)

Mario Edwards 

Angelo Blackson

Mike Pennel (Current FA)

Khyiris Tonga

LaCale London

Sam Kamara

Daniel Archibong (Signed with PGH)

Eddie Goldman being unsigned after his last two years is not surprising. Some would have thought that Hicks would find a home, but his age and injury concerns add issues that will have him signing during training camp in most scenarios.

Chicago Bears 2022 Defensive Line Depth Chart

Angelo Blackson 

Angelo Blackson went from competing for four backup snaps to being the unquestioned starter. He is the most experienced player on the interior front and saw plenty of work last year as well. It is hard to say what to expect from Blackson when he gets an increase in snaps because he spent his career in a reserve role.

Justin Jones (FA)

Justin Jones has the chance to be the top-dog on the defensive line. Still, it has to say something that the team saw him as a plan B after the Larry Ogunjobi signing fell apart.

Mario Edwards

Edwards is going to be in an interesting spot. The Bears are changing their scheme and it may not be for the better for Edwards. Still, there is not much depth here, so the team will have to find a way to be creative in his usage.

Khyiris Tonga

Tonga is slotted in as the nose tackle. Blackson, Jones, and Edwards can all move up and down the line and by rotation will play more. Still, Tonga has a specific role and will be getting snaps as a run stuffer.

Sam Kamara

Sam Kamara could be looked at as an edge player as much as an interior lineman. It will be interesting to see what the Chicago Bears think of him.

LaCale London

The Bears signed London as a UDFA in 2020. He made it through the pandemic year on the practice squad, he lasted through 2021 as well, and now he has to impress a new coaching staff.

Micah Tredway-Dew (UDFA)

The Bears added Treadway-Dew as a UDFA. The fact that he was the only addition in the draft process has to make the rest of the depth chart feel a bit safer.

Auzoyah Alufohai (FA)

Alufohai has bounced around a bit and has not lasted much past training camp in most situations.