The Chicago Bears released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of their preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 15.
When looking at Chicago’s first unofficial depth chart, there are some things that aren’t much of a surprise — Caleb Williams as the starting quarterback, the top wide receivers, most of the offensive line, linebacker and tight end. But there are also some interesting competitions unfolding at training camp, and this is the first (unofficial) glimpse at where things currently stand.
A lot can and probably will change from now until Week 1, as we’ve seen in the past, so don’t read too much into this first unofficial depth chart. With that said, here’s our initial takeaways.
Left tackle competition is wide open
The Bears haven’t listed a starting left tackle on the unofficial depth chart, instead listing Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie, in that order, at left tackle. Jones has been the favorite since the start of the summer, and he’d gotten most of the starting snaps before suffering an injury that’s kept him sidelined for a few days. With Jones sidelined, it’s been exclusively Wills and Amegadjie rotating at with the first-team offense. Ben Johnson said last week that they wanted to have some clarity sooner than later at left tackle, but Jones’ injury has thrown a wrench into things.
Cam Lewis listed as starting nickel
With injured Coby Bryant still on the active roster, he’s listed as the starting safety, which frees up Cam Lewis to slide into that starting nickel cornerback role in Kyler Gordon’s absence. Gordon isn’t listed on the depth chart because he’s on the physically unable to perform list. Lewis had been rotating with Jaylon Jones in the slot since the start of training camp but switched to starting safety when Bryant went down. Right now, Lewis appears to be the favorite for that nickel role if Gordon can’t find a way back to the practice field and earn the trust of the coaches.
Dayo Odeyingbo ahead of Austin Booker at edge rusher
The Bears have been moving Dayo Odeyingbo around through the first two weeks of training camp, experimenting with him inside. For the most part, it’s been Montez Sweat and Austin Booker with the first-team defense off the edge. So it is surprising to see Odeyingbo slotted ahead of Booker on this unofficial depth chart. Booker has quietly been having a solid training camp, where he’s been getting after quarterback Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, with Sweat sidelined for a few days with an injury, it’s been Booker and Odeyingbo with the starters.
Xavier Woods listed as second-team safety
The Bears have been ravaged by injuries through the first two weeks of training camp, especially at defensive back. They signed veteran safety Xavier Woods to the roster just a few days ago, and he’s already making his way up the depth chart. Woods is listed as the third safety on the roster behind Coby Bryant and rookie Dillon Thieneman. And with Bryant sidelined with a knee injury, it’s been Woods running with Thieneman and the first-team defense. Woods had a standout performance on Sunday, where he picked off quarterback Caleb Williams and delivered a huge hit on tight end Colston Loveland on a fourth down play.
Roschon Johnson has initial edge at RB3
There’s no question that D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are the team’s top running backs heading into 2026, but there’s a competition for that third running back spot brewing between Roschon Johnson and Salvon Ahmed, who’s been a standout player this summer. Johnson is initially listed as the RB3 ahead of Ahmed, but the real battle begins in the preseason, where we’re sure to see plenty of Johnson and Ahmed, as well as Brittain Brown and Coleman Bennett.
Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas listed as return specialists
The Bears settled one special teams battle when they release Luke Elkin, making Beau Gardner the lone long snapper on the roster. Another special teams competition is at return specialist, and veteran Kalif Raymond has initially edged out rookie Zavion Thomas with Raymond listed as both the starting punt and kickoff returner. Thomas is listed as the reserve for both positions, as well, and they’re the only ones listed on the unofficial depth chart.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 6 takeaways from Chicago Bears’ first unofficial depth chart
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
