A breakdown of Bears’ players, divided up by position group, and the outlook on who will survive cut week.
QB Room
Caleb Williams
Marcus Mariota
Robby Ashford
Outlook
Mariota was signed to be a mentor, so even though he played better than Ashford, it’s likely the journeyman takes a hike so youth can stay. Caleb is the reigning MVP.
HB Room
D’Andre Swift
Kyle Monangai
Israel Abanikanda
Tyrion Davis-Price
Donovan Edwards
Outlook
Swift sat out the preseason to let a competition unfold between 4 other running backs looking to claim two spots. Abanikanda was the only player to separate himself and become a coach’s favorite, likely to make the team. Edwards was the worst and is unlikely to be on the active 53, but Monangai and Davis-Price played similarly and a hard decision must be made.
WR Room
DJ Moore
Rome Odunze
Luther Burden III
Bo Melton
Jahdae Walker
Dominic Lovett
Josh Cameron
Outlook
All seven wide receivers played at least a little in the preseason, with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze being more limited, but everyone recorded a catch. Funny enough, the four players behind the previously mentioned two and Luther Burden III all had a drop and played very similarly, not outplaying one another. It’ll be interesting to see who gets to play, especially with Melton and Cameron competing for a returner spot.
TE Room
Cole Kmet
Colston Loveland
Josh Whyle
Jaheim Bell
Leroy Watson
Outlook
Jaheim Bell played in all three games, but could barely get a target, let alone a catch. It’s likely that the other four tight ends all make the roster, with Leroy Watson being a rotational FB and sixth OL as much as TE.
OL Room
Braxton Jones Jr
James Neal III
Calvin Throckmorton
Kiran Amegadije
Ricky Stromberg
Logan Parr
Drew Dalman
Pichon Wimbley
Pat McMutrie
Ozzy Trapilo
Layden Robinson
Brett Toth
Darnell Wright
Yosh Njiman
Luke Newman
Outlook
15 players for 10 spots may seem like a recipe for heartbreak, but the 5 that are about to be cut are either worse than others on the team or have no existing relationship with the franchise. There will be no surprises, they knew before cut week they were more auditioning for elsewhere.
EDGE Room
Montez Sweat
Isaiah Foskey
Bradyn Swinson
Austin Booker
Shemar Turner
Dayo Odeyingbo
Tavius Robinson
Quinton Bell
Outlook
This pass rushing room is full of “maybes” and “almosts”. I’m intrigued to see the best way to handle this. Quinton Bell is the worst in overall, but he is a mentor.
DT Room
Gervon Dexter Sr
Aaron Graves
Deone Walker
Jordan Jefferson
Yahya Black
Jacobian Guillory II
Outlook
SIX defensive tackles all 24 or younger, the Chicago front office has a headache with this one. It’s all speculation on who will develop or perform the best next to Gervon Dexter. Graves and Walker are locks after strong preseason performances, but the other three also played well.
LB Room
TJ Edwards
Suritane Perkins
Ruben Hyppolite II
Chris Paul Jr
Austin Romaine
Noah Sewell
Eric Wilson
Aiden Fisher
Justin Strnad
Tae Davis
Outlook
Noah Sewell is an elite special teamer, but he may be on the outs thanks to rookie Austin Romaine. Other than that, the Bears will likely keep the best player available.
CB Room
Jaylon Johnson
Tyrique Stevenson
Zah Frazier
Tre Hawkins III
Terell Smith
Xavier Scott
Anthony Averett
Outlook
Terell Smith could move to safety, but outside of that, it’s a set crew with Averett and Scott set to walk no doubt.
S Room
Kyler Gordon
Mekhi Blackmon
Dillon Thieneman
Isaiah Nwokobia
Jalen Mills
Levi Wallace
Outlook
Mills and Wallace served their role as mentors and know they can leave! It’s time for young blood.
ST Room
Cairo Santos
Tory Taylor
William Wagner
Outlook
All three members of last year’s special teams unit return!
Overall Outlook
Many cuts will be easy, but with 22 total to make, the position groups of defensive tackle, edge rusher, and wide receiver still may lead to some tears and jumps for joy.
