Following the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears are one of those teams receiving a whole lot of hype.
It's weird, but certainly justified. You don't draft Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze and not become one of the hottest topics among the league. So, the rising expectations are going to continue, and Chicago will keep at the forefront of many NFL conversations for the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead to the bulk of offseason activities and training camp, there doesn't appear to be an impending roster decision that's going to cause a stir. For the most part, this roster is set. However, let's not gloss over some of those final spots that will become tougher and tougher to predict as the summer wears on.
The Bears' roster is just about set, but some decisions late in the year might be tougher than you think
Running back might actually come down to a decision between similar players
The Bears are going to ride with D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson as their top three backs. However, they will likely keep a fourth, solely for special teams purposes. Travis Homer is currently that guy, but the Bears also signed undrafted free agent Ian Wheeler out of Howard.
Wheeler also comes with plenty of special teams experience. If the Bears want to go a bit younger with more upside, since we already know what Homer has to offer, it could come down to cutting the veteran in favor of the undrafted Wheeler.
The Bears' third and final tight end spot could get interesting
Like running back, the Bears' final tight end spot could come down to either a veteran or an undrafted free agent. Currently, veteran Stephen Carlson is listed third on the depth chart. But, Brendan Bates could give him a run for his money.
The undrafted free agent out of Kentucky stands 6-foot-4 and comes into the league after having some injury concerns over the latter portion of his college career. Bates is a great blocker, though. With Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett specializing in receiving, Bates certainly has a shot to make this roster if he proves to be a valuable asset in the other areas.
If Chicago makes a move at defensive end, that could spell trouble for Dominique Robinson
Chicago still has the potential to make another move at defensive end, signing a veteran free agent down the line. If they do so, then that might make it tough to keep former fifth-round pick, Dominique Robinson. Right now, Robinson is likely third or fourth on the depth chart next to rookie Austin Booker.
Assuming Booker can lock down the third spot, Robinson will be fourth behind Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker. The Bears also have 26-year-old Khalid Kareem who will be fighting for one of those final spots.
But, if the Bears were to sign a veteran, Robinson might be forced out.
Don't count out a move at wide receiver, just yet
The Bears' wide receiver room is stacked at the top with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. But, from there, it's anyone's game. Second-year pro Tyler Scott doesn't figure to be going anywhere, but former third-round pick Velus Jones Jr. is definitely replaceable, as is veteran Dante Pettis.
The Bears very well could make another move out in free agency by bringing in another wide receiver to function as their WR4 or WR5, forcing a decision on someone like Jones. Would Ryan Poles be willing to admit a mistake as costly as a third-round pick like Jones?