The First Chicago Bears Depth Chart Release Featured Interesting Wrinkles
The Chicago Bears are still at the start of training camp. Don’t be fooled, though. Even this early, they likely have an idea of how the depth chart will shake out by the end of next month. They released their first unofficial one this week, doing everything in their power to insist it is not set in stone. For the most part, they succeeded in avoiding anything controversial. However, there were still a few surprises buried beneath the surface.
Here are a few fans should pay attention to and why they could end up mattering down the line. Don’t forget how important depth decisions can be.
Velus Jones and DeAndre Carter hold Chicago Bears #5 and #6 WR spots
Tyler Scott has already established himself as the 4th receiver behind D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze. His big plays in practice prove that. That leaves a mad scramble for the final two spots between eight guys. Jones and Carter having the edge isn’t a surprise. Jones is a former 3rd round pick and has major kick return value. Carter has lots of NFL experience and is a special teams veteran. Freddie Swain, Dante Pettis, and Collin Johnson are probably the biggest threats to them.
Dominique Robinson is ahead of Austin Booker at defensive end
This is a genuine shock, to be honest. Robinson has done almost nothing as a pass rusher over the past two years outside his first game. He’s never been able to mold his considerable size and athleticism into something NFL tackles fear or respect. Booker has already made some noise in training camp. So, either Robinson looks better than expected, or that is a coaching decision.
Byron Cowart is the fourth defensive tackle
It was a foregone conclusion that Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter, and Zacch Pickens would be the primary three defensive tackles. That fourth spot would be an interesting competition. Cowart is the most experienced of the depth options. He is a solid run defender with some pass rush ability. Undrafted rookie Keith Randolph is probably his biggest threat as the competition unfolds ahead of the first preseason game.
Amen Ogbongbemiga is ahead of Noah Sewell
This might be one of the bigger surprises. Sewell was a 5th round pick last year and somebody the Chicago Bears had high hopes for. He even forced a fumble in limited playing time last year. However, Ogbongbemiga might have one big advantage. He’s a proven special teams player, having carved out a regular role with the Chargers over the past three years. If the Bears carry five linebackers, Sewell might still be okay but it’s clear he is on much shakier ground than last year.