Identifying roster locks on Chicago Bears 2022 roster

The Chicago Bears arguably have more sorting out to do within their starting lineup than they do with roster spots. The roster has depth, but there is a strong number of players who are more than likely locked onto the roster, just having questions when it comes to role.

Which players are roster locks? That means there is no doubt that they will be getting cut or moved to the practice squad.

Quarterback (2): Justin Fields, Trevor Siemian

Nathan Peterman is not going to beat out Trevor Siemian, making this an easy decision.

Running Back (3): David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, Khari Blasingame

Some fans will say that Trestan Ebner is a lock, and while that is fair, there is just enough wiggle room that a poor preseason could sneak him to the practice squad. He also has Darrynton Evans who could step right over him onto the roster, so for now, he is not a lock.

Tight End (3): Cole Kmet, James O’Shaugnessy, Ryan Griffin

There are a couple of UDFAs lurking on the roster, but they would be a fourth tight end more than kicking someone on the roster off.

Wide Receiver (4): Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Velus Jones, Equanimeous St. Brown

This one was tough, but the contract of Byron Pringle and the special team’s value of ESB get them as locks with the other two surefire locks. The rest will be sorted out, but no one can argue there are any more locks as of now.

Offensive Line (10): Larry Borom, Riley Reiff, Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick, Michael Schofield, Braxton Jones, Zach Thomas, Ja’Tyre Carter, Sam Mustipher, Doug Kramer

It is hard to say that there are 10 locks at a position group, and this includes all of the four rookies this year, but when you break down the line it is hard to see any getting cut. Carter, Jones, and Kramer are getting first teamwork often, and Thomas is not only because he is the clear backup to Cody Whitehair. Some do not want to see Sam Mustipher make it, but right now he is getting first-team snaps at right guard and center, so it is hard to say he is not a lock.

Interior Defensive Line (3): Justin Jones, Angelo Blackson, Mario Edwards

Basically, the question is whether it will be Mike Pennell, Khiyris Tonga, or both making the roster, but since that is a question we will leave both off. A name like Sam Kamara could slip into the mix, too.

Edge (4) Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Dominique Robinson

This is pretty easy to set in stone, with a name like Carson Taylor as a non-lock considering he is a UDFA.

Linebacker (3): Roquan Smith, Nicholas Morrow, Matthew Adams

Some fans are not high on Matt Adams after his offseason, and some do not know him, but the coaches go to bat for him, and that says it all. The rest of this depth chart is questionable.

Cornerback (5): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tavon Young, Thomas Graham, Kindle Vildor

Vildor and Graham can be disputed as locks, but Vildor is getting first-team work often, and Graham was getting praise in OTA for being a versatile cornerback who can fill the slot and outside, so he should be on.

Safety (4): Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Dane Cruikshank

Elijah Hicks cannot be a lock as a seventh-round pick and a fifth safety on the depth chart. He could certainly earn his way on, though.

Special Teams (3): Trenton Gill, Cairo Santos, Patrick Scales

Total Locks: 44

So, 44 players are locked on, leaving nine roster spots to be won.

If you had to list the top nine players that I left off this list, who would they be? It looks like the wide receiver, linebacker, and interior defensive line will get the most out of these nine players.