Bears’ projected depth chart following 2022 NFL draft
Bears’ projected depth chart following 2022 NFL draft Share this article 2.2k shares share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/chicago-bears-depth-chart-after-2022-nfl-draft/ Alyssa Barbieri follow May 17, 2022 8:58 am CT
The Chicago Bears added a new crop of rookies in the 2022 NFL draft, where there have been some changes on the projected depth chart with some top selections.
The Bears added three potential immediate contributors in cornerback Kyler Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., which addressed three of the team’s biggest needs.
With the addition of this new group of rookies and recent free-agent signings, Chicago’s depth chart has some changes. But, for the most part, things have remained consistent.
Here’s a look at the Bears’ current projected depth chart after the NFL draft:
Quarterback
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string QB Justin Fields Trevor Siemian Nathan Peterman
There’s no disputing that Justin Fields will be QB1 heading into this season, but there’s been plenty of change behind him on the depth chart this offseason. Chicago released Nick Foles and added Trevor Siemian, who will serve as Fields’ backup, and recently signed Nathan Peterman to be QB3.
Running back
AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other RB David Montgomery Khalil Herbert Darrynton Evans Trestan Ebner, De’Montre Tuggle FB Khari Blasingame
Running back is one of the more dependable positions on the roster, which is led by starter David Montgomery. Khalil Herbert is coming off an encouraging rookie season, where he’s proven himself to be a reliable option behind Montgomery. This offseason, Chicago has added three running backs — Darrynton Evans, fullback Khari Blasingame, sixth-round rookie Trestan Ebner and undrafted rookie De’Montre Tuggle.
Wide receiver
AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other WR Darnell Mooney Equanimeous St. Brown David Moore Isaiah Coulter WR Byron Pringle Dante Pettis Chris Finke Nsimba Webster WR Velus Jones Jr. Tajae Sharpe Dazz Newsome Kevin Shaa
The wide receivers room remains a point of contention among fans and analysts, where Darnell Mooney is the only proven guy in the bunch. The Bears added Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown in free agency, as well as Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL draft. Recent additions Dante Pettis and Tajae Sharpe figure to have the best chance to also make Chicago’s roster.
Over/Under: 84.5 Mooney catches in ’22-23? – Powered By PickUp Tight end
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other TE Cole Kmet Ryan Griffin James O’Shaughnessy Rysen John, Chase Allen, Jake Tonges
The tight end room is going to look a lot different in 2022. Cole Kmet is coming off an encouraging second season, where his production doubled. Chicago added a few veterans in Ryan Griffin, James O’Shaughnessy and Rysen John, as well as undrafted rookies Chase Allen and Jake Tonges. The Bears released Jesper Horsted with an injury settlement.
Offensive line
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other LT Larry Borom Julien Davenport Braxton Jones LG Cody Whitehair Ja’Tyre Carter Willie Wright C Lucas Patrick Doug Kramer Dieter Eiselen RG Sam Mustipher Zachary Thomas Dakota Dozier RT Teven Jenkins Shon Coleman Lachavious Simmons Jean Delance
There’s no change on the offensive line projected depth chart following the NFL draft. While Chicago drafted four offensive linemen on Day 3, none of them project to serve an immediate starting role…at least right now. Larry Borom, Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick and Teven Jenkins appear to be locks to start somewhere on the offensive line, where there’s currently a hole at right guard.
Defensive line
AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other DE Robert Quinn Al-Quadin Muhammad Jeremiah Attaochu Charles Snowden DT Justin Jones Mario Edwards Jr. LaCale London DT Khyiris Tonga Angelo Blackson Auzoyah Alufohai DE Trevis Gipson Dominique Robinson Sam Kamara Carson Taylor
There isn’t any change with our current defensive line projections, where Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson and Al-Quadin Muhammad will anchor the edge and Justin Jones will serve as the 3-technique. The Bears added Dominique Robinson in the fifth-round of the NFL draft, and he has the potential to develop into an impact player down the road.
Linebacker
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string LB Roquan Smith Caleb Johnson Joe Thomas LB Nicholas Morrow Jack Sanborn C.J. Avery LB Matthew Adams Noah Dawkins Christian Albright
The Bears appear set at linebacker, led by one of the NFL’s best in Roquan Smith. They signed Nicholas Morrow in free agency to serve alongside Smith, and the question becomes who will serve as the strong side linebacker. That appears to be Matthew Adams. Chicago landed a top undrafted free agent in Jack Sanborn, who has a good chance of making the roster.
Cornerback
AP Photo/Rick Osentoski
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other CB Jaylon Johnson Thomas Graham Jr. Lamar Jackson Allie Green IV CB Kyler Gordon Kindle Vildor Bopete Keyes NCB Tavon Young Duke Shelley Greg Stroman Jr.
There were plenty of questions at cornerback heading into the offseason, and the Bears addressed those with some intriguing additions. Chicago drafted Kyler Gordon with their top selection in the second round to start opposite Jaylon Johnson on the outside. Meanwhile, it looks like it’ll be Tavon Young in the slot.
Safety
USA Today Sports
Position 1st string 2nd string 3rd string Other S Eddie Jackson DeAndre Houston-Carson Elijah Hicks Jaylon Jones, A.J. Thomas S Jaquan Brisker Dane Cruikshank Michael Joseph Jon Alexander
Much like cornerback, the Bears had a glaring hole at safety, which is why Ryan Poles selected Jaquan Brisker with Chicago’s second second-round pick. Brisker is expected to start at strong safety opposite Eddie Jackson. The Bears did add some key depth this offseason in Dane Cruikshank, re-signed DeAndre Houston-Carson and drafted Elijah Hicks on Day 3.
Specialists
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Position 1st string 2nd string K Cairo Santos P Trenton Gill LS Patrick Scales Antonio Ortiz
The Bears special teams unit will look different this season following the departure of punter Pat O’Donnell in free agency. Chicago has found their starting punter in seventh-round rookie Trenton Gill after Ryan Winslow was released.
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