6 Bears players who could lose snaps to rookies in 2024

Braxton Jones, OT

Had the Bears used the no. 9 overall pick on an offensive tackle, there would have been zero doubt that Braxton Jones was going to be relegated to a reserve role. Funny enough, by the same token, because the Bears used one of their most precious picks on an offensive tackle, although it came in the third round, I would argue that the point remains.

Jones is likely headed for a reserve role.

The Bears could have used that third rounder in a multitude of ways, but opted for an offensive tackle. That speaks volumes about the team's faith (or lack thereof) in Jones. Now, that's not to say Jones is a bad player. He's serviceable. But, Kiran Amegadjie is coming in to take that job, plain and simple.

DeMarcus Walker, DE

Other than Montez Sweat, the Bears don't have another bonafide starting edge rusher. DeMarcus Walker is as good as it gets, for now, but even last year he only posted 3.5 sacks. To be fair, he tied a career-high with 16 quarterback hits.

But, the Bears need more out of their pass rushers, which is why they traded future capital to go up and get Austin Booker out of Kansas. For the Bears to have traded back into this year's draft to get a pass rusher should send a clear message. They weren't done at the position, and although Booker is only a fifth-round pick, you can look at him as a fourth rounder, because that's what Chicago gave up for the rights to get him.