5 players under pressure after making Chicago Bears roster

Along with the rest of the league, the Chicago Bears have made their way through roster cuts and formed their initial 53-man roster.

There weren't too many surprises when all was said and done, but there were certainly some players left off the roster whom fans thought had a chance. A few of those final roster spots could have gone one of many directions, so hopefully Ryan Poles and company are proven to have made the right calls.

As for some of those final players on the roster, there are some who are immediately under some pressure.

Which Bears players should feel fortunate to have made the team?

Velus Jones Jr., RB/WR

What exactly is Velus Jones Jr.? He made the roster as a wide receiver, but the last few weeks he's been operating as a running back. Jones is also listed as the team's starting kick returner, but hasn't proven he can do the same on punt return.

As inconsistent as he's been since entering the league as a 2022 third-round pick, Jones is in a make-or-break year. He needs to show value in the regular season, or this could be it for him.

Daniel Hardy, DE

After a tremendous preseason and training camp, former Rams seventh-round pick Daniel Hardy has made the roster. The Bears have long-needed more difference makers at the edge position, and hopefully Hardy can carry his preseason momentum into the regular season when given the opportunity.

Josh Blackwell, CB

Last year, Blackwell played just 11 coverage snaps for the Bears, so he's been used sparingly as an actual cornerback. On special teams, though, he could make a difference. The Bears have been desperately trying to find a solution in the return department. If given an opportunity, Blackwell needs to take hold of it.

The Bears chose to keep Blackwell on the active roster over preseason sensation Reddy Steward, too, which puts some pressure on Blackwell to perform if called upon for defensive purposes.

Doug Kramer, C

Although there has been some improvement since Doug Kramer originally came into the league, he's still at the very end of the depth chart. This is also a spot where the Bears have seen a fluid situation in place at both guard and center. If Kramer ends up seeing the field, the Bears better hope he's ready. Kramer is also one who could be cut if the Bears re-work the roster in the coming days.

Deandre Carter, WR

Carter didn't have the greatest preseason, and was also banged up a bit. Again, along the same lines as the return specialist conversation, Carter needs to provide value. Otherwise, he'll be replaceable going forward. The Bears could easily go out and sign another wide receiver to come in and provide depth on offense while also finding a better return specialist.