The countdown to the NFL season is on and we are counting down the Chicago Bears roster as we wait. This list is looking at which players are bringing the most value to the roster. We are down to number 34 overall.
Chicago Bears 2022 roster ranking: No. 34 Zach Thomas
Zach Thomas is a rookie from San Diego State. He was a sixth-round pick on the offensive line. While Thomas spent most of his college career at tackle, most NFL scouts feel that he will be best off at guard. He was just thrust into tackle because the team did not have a better option.
Most fans would want Zach Thomas to shoot into the top 22 this season because that would mean that he won the starting job at right guard. It is almost less about Thomas, and more about his competition, Sam Mustipher.
Early in OTAs, it was Mustipher competing with Dakota Dozier, and Dozer went down with a season-ending injury. As of now, Mustipher is likely to head to training camp as the starter.
We already ranked Mustipher on this list, so you know where he stands. Most of the reason for pessimism is after seeing him last season. Beyond that, now he is moving from center to right guard.
This may be an easier transition, but at the same time, he has almost no experience at right guard. This is a low bard for Thomas to cross, although starting in the NFL as a late-round rookie is tough in itself.
Thomas is younger and presents an upside of the unknown, where we, unfortunately, know what to expect with Sam Mustipher. Still, as of now, he is not slotted into starting, and he will have to earn that role. That is what is going to push him outside of the top 30 still.