Training camp is already almost over with only one practice left on Saturday. We have seen Braxton Jones move his way up the Chicago Bears depth chart and is currently the starting left tackle. Riley Reiff has kicked over to the right side and both Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom are in a strange transition period. Justin Fields has shown the growth we expected, now we just need to see it transition to the field.
Matt Eberflus was able to achieve his first win — even if it was only preseason. Getting that monkey off his back right away must feel pretty good. I already predicted that the team will beat the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and I’m sticking to that pick despite no Roquan Smith as I just locked them into my fantasy football pick’em. What I am betting on is that Justin Fields outperforms Trey Lance in the first games of their sophomore seasons.
Even with that win though, I don’t foresee this team winning more than eight games this year. I think eight wins would be great for a young team that is clearly at the beginning of a rebuilding period. This would mean that Justin Fields saw some success in Luke Getsy’s offense. It would mean that certain players stood out on defense, and it would mean that Ryan Poles is on the right path to leading this team to relevance once again.
Unfortunately, there have been a few players who have not been looking up to the challenge this offseason. Not all of these guys should be concerned about being cut, but a few definitely are on the bubble.
Chicago Bears who have disappeared this offseason: Duke Shelley, CB
If you consistently read my content, I think most will recall how down I have been on Duke Shelley this season. He is a guy I have the Chicago Bears cutting and not making the final roster. There isn’t anything that he does that makes me want to see him stick around. He also saves the team nearly $1 million that they can use on a better option should the team deem a player worthy who is cut by one of the other 31 NFL teams.
We have seen Shelley on this roster long enough. He doesn’t have a skill set that would make me want to keep him over most of the other cornerbacks on the roster. He’s not much of a special teams player either. I’d rather see Lamar Jackson (not the quarterback obviously) stick around. He needs to work on wrapping but brings some power and size. The only reason that Shelley should stick around is if Thomas Graham cannot get healthy enough to start the year off injured reserve.