53-man roster projection after Chicago Bears first preseason game

Now that the Chicago Bears are through with their first preseason game we can start to assume where some players stand. Now, we will do a 53-man roster projection after each preseason to see how things will change from this baseline.

Quarterback (2): Justin Fields, Trevor Siemian

Trevor Siemian moved the ball well as the backup. He appears to have a good grasp of the offense and knows his role as a number two.

Running back (4): David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, Trestan Ebner, Khari Blassingame

If anything happened in this game, it ensured that Ebner will make the roster, and also that he can be trusted enough that Darrynton Evans does not need to make the roster.

Tight end (4): Cole Kmet, Ryan Griffin, James O’Shaugnessy, Chase Allen

Perhaps it was just because the top three tight ends were injured, but Chase Allen starting, getting targets from Justin Fields, and looking good as a blocker at times at least flashed of a player who could make the roster. Beyond that, with the injuries to the top three, they may need Allen as the extra depth.

Wide receiver (5): Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Velus Jones, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, N’Keal Harry (Tajae Sharpe)

Harry has to make the initial roster to get placed on the IR. With that in mind, Sharpe could be a valuable player because he is a veteran who knows the game. The Bears can tell Sharpe they plan to cut him, then re-sign him moments after they place Harry on the IR. Being a veteran, Sharpe will not have to clear waivers, and his play in week one makes him a perfect back-end of the roster player.

Offensive line (11): Braxton Jones, Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick, Michael Schofield, Riley Reiff, Larry Borom, Teven Jenkins, Zach Thomas, Sam Mustipher, Ja’Tyre Carter, Doug Kramer

It is still tough to decipher, but these top 11 stand out, and it is hard to cut any of them at this point. Fans do not like Sam Mustipher, but he started over Doug Kramer and left when Justin Fields left, so he is in better standing than fan sentiment.

Defensive line (4): Justin Jones, Angelo Blackson, Khyiris Tonga, Micah Dew-Treadway

One big note from the depth chart was Dew-Treadway over Mike Pennel. The rookie UDFA held his own in the first preseason, and they should always go with the youth if it is that close.

Edge (5): Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Dominique Robinson, Mario Edwards

Mario Edwards will give depth for the interior and also provide a fifth edge rusher. The rest seem pretty set.

Linebacker (5): Roquan Smith, Nicholas Morrow, Matt Adams, Joe Thomas, Jack Sanborn

If anything happened on Saturday, Jack Sanborn locked himself onto the roster. However, it was special teams’ play more than his defense that sealed the deal. We also saw the top three linebackers behind Smith locked in.

Cornerback (5): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tavon Young, Kindle Vildor, Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson did not play great, but with so many cornerbacks out in week one, he was one of the most trusted by the coaching staff, and that says something.

Safety (5): Jaquan Brisker, Eddie Jackson, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Dane Cruikshank, Elijah Hicks

The top four should be locked in, and with so many UDFAs making the team, Elijah Hicks will surely join them, if anything because of special teams.

ST (3): Cairo Santos, Trenton Gil, Patrick Scales

This one is locked in stone.