Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection: Post OTAs
EDGE (5): Robert Quinn, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Trevis Gipson, Dominique Robinson, Carson Taylor
The Bears could add Sam Kamara to beef up the interior if they trade Robert Quinn for a late-round pick. With him on the roster now, it is easy to see where the edge group is going.
Carson Taylor would be a lock if Quinn is traded, but for now is right on the edge, and may be a practice squad player. Still with Quinn gone, and AQM injured during OTAs, it was Carson Taylor who took advantage of the extra reps out there.
Linebacker (6): Roquan Smith, Nicholas Morrow, Matt Adams, Caleb Johnson, Jack Sanborn, CJ Avery
This is another spot where you thought that if they need depth at the interior defensive line they could cut one of these linebackers. Still, they would typically keep six. Essentially, Smith would be the WILL, Morrow the MIKE, and Adams the SAM. Then, Johnson behind Morrow, Sanborn behind Adams, and Avery behind Smith. They could sacrifice depth behind Smith for depth on the interior.
Cornerback (5): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tavon Young, Thomas Graham, Kindle Vildor
This one appears pretty cut and dry right now. the Chicago Bears signed some veterans, and Vildor was not great last season, but he is going from starter to depth which is a big step. Johnson and Gordon will man the outside, Young and Graham will compete in the slot, and Vildor will be depth on the outside.
Safety (5): Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Dane Cruikshank, Elijah Hicks
Another group that is very cut and dry. Eddie Jackson is obviously getting a chance to prove himself next to Brisker. They re-signed DHC this offseason and signed Cruikshank as a free agent, then they drafted Hicks in round seven. Hicks could be a practice squad player, but gives them the flexibility to go into dime often.
Next. 10 players likely to get cut this summer. dark
Special Teams (3): Cairo Santos, Patrick Scales, Trenton Gill
The returning veteran beats out Antonio Ortiz, the newcomer. Gill and Santos currently do not have a training camp competition.