Chicago Bears training camp is officially underway as the players take to the practice field at Halas Hall during what’s gearing up to be an exciting summer.
The roster has undergone some changes this offseason, including some notable rookie and veteran additions (along with a new coaching staff led by Ben Johnson) who will play key roles in the success of this team moving forward. While there’s plenty of competition at multiple positions, there aren’t too many starting jobs up for grabs. But things could get interesting at a few positions, especially as players jockey for a coveted spot on the 53-man roster.
Before the Bears’ first unofficial depth chart is released later this summer, here’s a look at our current projected depth chart as training camp begins:
Quarterback
There’s no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Caleb Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. The addition of Case Keenum brings an experienced veteran as a voice in the room, but he’s also contending for the backup job. While Tyson Bagent has been the backup since his rookie season, Keenum took reps with the second team during the offseason program. It’s a battle that will kick into gear in training camp.
Running back
The Bears didn’t make any significant moves at running back this offseason, the lone move coming with the selection of Kyle Monangai in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. That’s good news for D’Andre Swift, who remains the lead back with Roschon Johnson and Monangai behind him. While it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Chicago add a veteran in free agency, the depth chart looks set.
Wide receiver
Receiver wasn’t a top need for Chicago, but the board fell just right for a first-round prospect in Luther Burden III to fall right into their laps. Burden has drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who Ben Johnson coached in Detroit. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they’ll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. But Burden will also factor into the mix as a featured weapon in the slot.
Tight end
The Bears landed a stud in Colston Loveland in the first round of the draft, and he’ll serve as the perfect complement to Cole Kmet. Loveland is an elite athlete, skilled route runner and natural catcher of the ball. Ben Johnson is known for his two tight-end sets, and a pairing of Kmet and Loveland will be deadly for opposing defenses.
Offensive line
The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, via trade, and Drew Dalman, through free agency. Chicago did add a couple of an offensive linemen in tackle Ozzy Trapilo and guard Luke Newman. With Braxton Jones recovering from injury, the left tackle job is up for the taking between Jones, Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. Trapilo and Amegadjie rotated with the first team during the offseason program. But, right now, Jones has the upper hand until the pads come on.
Edge rusher (8)
The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Montez Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Dayo Odeyingbo, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. Austin Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player. Chicago didn’t address edge rusher in the draft, so it’ll be interesting to see if they make another veteran addition or explore kicking interior defenders outside.
Defensive tackle (7)
Chicago had a solid duo of Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter Sr. last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter’s play suffered. The Bears added a dominant defender in Grady Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher, in free agency. But they also landed a potential stud in Shemar Turner, who brings a violent, aggressive attitude to the field. Expect to see plenty of these four.
Linebacker (8)
There aren’t really big changes at linebacker with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds once again set to lead the charge (although they could switch positions). But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. Chicago took a swing with the selection of Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round, who will contend with former fifth-round pick Noah Sewell for the third linebacker spot.
Cornerback (12)
Cornerback is arguably the strongest position group on the roster. Jaylon Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Kyler Gordon, who recently signed a contract extension, and Tyrique Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season. But the addition of Zah Frazier, who caught Al Harris’ eye during the pre-draft process, and Terell Smith will provide competition for Stevenson. With Johnson sidelined for a few weeks with a leg injury, there will be plenty of competition for depth spots.
Safety (7)
Chicago’s starting safety duo is set with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense’s MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors.
Special teams (5)
The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason. It’s certainly notable that Chicago has an addition kicker and long snapper on the roster, which should prompt competition.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Projected depth chart as Bears training camp begins
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
