10 positions that are locked up on the depth chart for the Chicago Bears in 2022
The rest of the positions locked up for the Chicago Bears
Right Defensive End
One of two spots is locked up on the defensive line. The right defensive end spot is locked into place with Robert Quinn in my opinion. Of course, Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams might move the ends around from both the right and left sides, but Quinn is guaranteed to be one of the two starters. It makes sense he goes up against the left tackle more often than not. The other side will come down to Trevis Gipson or Al-Quadin Muhammad.
3-Technique
The 3-technique is also locked up in my opinion. Justin Jones was brought in to be that guy. The only way that this might change is if the team is able to come to new terms with Larry Ogunjobi.
Center
In my opinion, Lucas Patrick has the center spot locked into place and there’s no reason to think otherwise. Rookie, Doug Kramer is not going to push to steal that spot.
Left Guard
Next to Lucas Patrick will be Cody Whitehair. Whitehair is going to be the starting left tackle on this team. I don’t see him shifting to the right guard spot — a spot that is going to be an open competition.
Right Tackle
Although it has not been declared, I am confident that the Chicago Bears plan on starting Teven Jenkins at the right tackle spot while they figure out the left tackle spot. As of now, the left tackle position looks to be Larry Borom’s to lose. Is it possible that fifth-round rookie, Braxton Jones can push to start instead while Borom moves to the right guard spot? Sure, that’s possible, but if I was a betting man, I’d expect Borom to start the season.
Now, you could technically say it is 12 positions as Nicholas Morrow and Roquan Smith are obviously starting at the inside linebacker spots this season. However, as of now, we don’t for certain if Morrow will stay at middle linebacker while Smith plays the weak-side spot, or if they will swap them at some point. My money is on it staying with Smith as the weak-side linebacker just as Darius Leonard plays for the Colts. These two are somewhat similar.
Also, if you want to throw in Darnell Mooney as the WR1, I’m not going to doubt that from happening. That said, the wide receiver room is full of questions and one player locking down the top spot isn’t enough for me to include it in this list.