The way, way too early 53 man roster for '24

[Lake Shore Drive]

Yes, it's way, way too early, but WCG popped one out anyway:

Bears 53-man roster projection after 2024 NFL Draft

WCG’s lead draft analyst shares his early 53-man roster predictions for the Bears after the draft.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Some immediate observations:

*One UDFA, DT Keith Randolph, JR is already projected to make the roster.
*Despite having arguably the best WR trio in the Norris, we're still pretty thin in terms of depth. Hopefully Scott can step up and prove he's a legit 4th.
*I'd like to see Marcedes Lewis return as our 3rd TE. Granted, he'll be playing in his age 40 season, but he'd still be the best blocking non-OL on the team.
*Speaking of reprising roles, I'm for the Bears either giving one more year to Yannick Ngakoue or taking a flier on Emmanuel Ogbah for depth to the Edge rotation.
*I thought Tyson did a decent job as a fill-in when Fields was hurt, but I sure wouldn't mind a more seasoned QB to at least be one of the three, if not second to Williams.

 

[richig07]

I mean, following both free agency AND now the draft? It's really not "too early" to paint a picture of what things may look like.

- Don't mind Lewis returning (but also don't mind a younger kid earning that role). It was cool when Lewis caught that TD vs Arizona last year. You could tell how much the team respected him, with how they celebrated it.

- I still have a glimmer of hope for Scott. Him emerging would also be huge, IMO. We have 3 REALLY talented receivers, but all are (more so) known for their excellent fundamentals/route running/possession abilities. Moore is a great YAC guy as well. None are true "burners", though. They CAN go deep, but its not a specialty. Scott could be really useful in becoming that deep threat you don't think about all game and then BANG. He sneaks past the secondary deep and catches a 60-70 yard touchdown. Sort of how MVZ was with GB when Adams was there. Weird stat lines like 2 catches for 102 yards.

- I like some of the pieces we have on Dline, but no one truly stands out to emerge as a threat at Edge. Ngakoue in a limited role isn't a terrible idea.

- Rumors have been swirling that we may bring in Tannehill. However, I get a feeling we just role with Bagent. Which, I am fine with. IMO, Bagent can win you a game in a spot start if the offense around him functions and the D does their part. We have more than enough pieces for him to safely navigate his way through a football game - if need be. If he has to play like 4+ weeks? Yeah, that's an issue. But that's the case with any backup. That's why they're backups. I think Bagent has the potential to be a nice/reliable career backup. Which is a mighty fine gig, if you ask me. Especially after coming from such humble beginnings. Undrafted from a D-3 program.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I mean, following both free agency AND now the draft? It's really not "too early" to paint a picture of what things may look like.

- Don't mind Lewis returning (but also don't mind a younger kid earning that role). It was cool when Lewis caught that TD vs Arizona last year. You could tell how much the team respected him, with how they celebrated it.

- I still have a glimmer of hope for Scott. Him emerging would also be huge, IMO. We have 3 REALLY talented receivers, but all are (more so) known for their excellent fundamentals/route running/possession abilities. Moore is a great YAC guy as well. None are true "burners", though. They CAN go deep, but its not a specialty. Scott could be really useful in becoming that deep threat you don't think about all game and then BANG. He sneaks past the secondary deep and catches a 60-70 yard touchdown. Sort of how MVZ was with GB when Adams was there. Weird stat lines like 2 catches for 102 yards.

- I like some of the pieces we have on Dline, but no one truly stands out to emerge as a threat at Edge. Ngakoue in a limited role isn't a terrible idea.

- Rumors have been swirling that we may bring in Tannehill. However, I get a feeling we just role with Bagent. Which, I am fine with. IMO, Bagent can win you a game in a spot start if the offense around him functions and the D does their part. We have more than enough pieces for him to safely navigate his way through a football game - if need be. If he has to play like 4+ weeks? Yeah, that's an issue. But that's the case with any backup. That's why they're backups. I think Bagent has the potential to be a nice/reliable career backup. Which is a mighty fine gig, if you ask me. Especially after coming from such humble beginnings. Undrafted from a D-3 program.

In one sense I agree, it's never too early to talk about anything NFL related. I only titled the post the way I did is because it's pretty much a given that the roster as currently configured will not be the one come September. There's OTAs, mandatory camp, and preseason games, so I'm sure there will be unexpected cuts and add ons around the league as the days roll on. I like this roster a helluva lot more than the one at this same time last year, but I'd still like to see it tightened up a bit more, such as QB, TE, DE, spots like that.

 

[Jiddy]

In one sense I agree, it's never too early to talk about anything NFL related. I only titled the post the way I did is because it's pretty much a given that the roster as currently configured will not be the one come September. There's OTAs, mandatory camp, and preseason games, so I'm sure there will be unexpected cuts and add ons around the league as the days roll on. I like this roster a helluva lot more than the one at this same time last year, but I'd still like to see it tightened up a bit more, such as QB, TE, DE, spots like that.

I think we're fine at QB. Williams is our guy. Bagent is a good backup that can take on a game or two here or there if needed.

We need an Edge. I'm betting we trade for one if the team shows promise early in the season.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I think we're fine at QB. Williams is our guy. Bagent is a good backup that can take on a game or two here or there if needed.

We need an Edge. I'm betting we trade for one if the team shows promise early in the season.

I won't lose any sleep if Bagent ends up as our #2. Like I said, he played decently last season filling in for Fields. Another year on the squad will serve him and the Bears well. But I still wouldn't mind seeing a more experienced QB in the mix. Brett Rypien is not exactly the classic example of a seasoned vet.

 

[Jiddy]

I won't lose any sleep if Bagent ends up as our #2. Like I said, he played decently last season filling in for Fields. Another year on the squad will serve him and the Bears well. But I still wouldn't mind seeing a more experienced QB in the mix. Brett Rypien is not exactly the classic example of a seasoned vet.

Rypien has worked with Waldron...which is why he fills out the third spot nicely. Cheap, can help the other 2 with the playbook/concepts and a reasonable last resort.

I'd be pretty surprised if we sign another QB.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Rypien has worked with Waldron...which is why he fills out the third spot nicely. Cheap, can help the other 2 with the playbook/concepts and a reasonable last resort.

I'd be pretty surprised if we sign another QB.

Guess that would 'splain why he's a Bear. So little experience tho. But what the hey, if that's how we roll, then that's how we roll.

 

[richig07]

Guess that would 'splain why he's a Bear. So little experience tho. But what the hey, if that's how we roll, then that's how we roll.

My guess is that Waldron likes Rypien. Even if he does understand that it's a bad thing if he ever sees a meaningful snap. Rypien is likely fine embracing any role, intelligent, and understands the system/what Waldron is trying to do.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

No longer the way, way too early 53 man roster projection, so we'll just call it the way too early 53 man roster projection for now:

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Hard to argue against this lineup based on the bodies in house at the present. However, there could and should be some fortifications at certain positions still to come, mostly in the trenches. For instance, I'm counting on Poles to ink one of the remaining DE/Edges out there by the time camp commences.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Windy City Gridiron ponders how many WRs make the 53 man roster:

Chicago Bears 2024 Position Battles: How many wide receivers make the 53?

In this 11-part series, we’ll go position by position, examining the players on the Chicago Bears 90-man roster and their chances to make the team.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Waldron opened the 2023 season in Seattle with six receivers on the roster, so if the Bears follow suit, there will be a lot of guys fighting for one spot.

Assuming the Bears go with 5 RBs (which includes the FB) and 3 TEs, and both counts seem logical, it's gonna be hard to squeeze that 7th receiver in without sacrificing some other position. After the big three, I'm looking at Scott and Jones as pretty much locks, so it's a battle between the remaining names to land that 6h spot. If I'm a betting man, at this point I'm going with DeAndre Carter.

 

[NCChiFan]

Windy City Gridiron ponders how many WRs make the 53 man roster:

Chicago Bears 2024 Position Battles: How many wide receivers make the 53?

In this 11-part series, we’ll go position by position, examining the players on the Chicago Bears 90-man roster and their chances to make the team.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Waldron opened the 2023 season in Seattle with six receivers on the roster, so if the Bears follow suit, there will be a lot of guys fighting for one spot.

Assuming the Bears go with 5 RBs (which includes the FB) and 3 TEs, and both counts seem logical, it's gonna be hard to squeeze that 7th receiver in without sacrificing some other position. After the big three, I'm looking at Scott and Jones as pretty much locks, so it's a battle between the remaining names to land that 6h spot. If I'm a betting man, at this point I'm going with DeAndre Carter.

Few more games like last night Johnson will be a lock at Wr.

 

[justanidiot]

Few more games like last night Johnson will be a lock at Wr.

Dont we get this every single year though? Last year it was Webster, 2021 and 2022 it was Coultier, and none of them ever had a chance to crack the roster. We even had a great white hope a few years.

This Johnson dude is 6'6 220, should have been penciled in before continuing to sign receivers. Everyone wants names, but there is so much chemistry required for QB's and receivers and it just does not happen when you put great players around eachother. I mean how can they have Johnson out perfoming Rome out there?

So far the only good thing that happened in preseason so far is Pettis muffed another punt and will hopefully be released, if he has not been already.

 

[NCChiFan]

Dont we get this every single year though? Last year it was Webster, 2021 and 2022 it was Coultier, and none of them ever had a chance to crack the roster. We even had a great white hope a few years.

This Johnson dude is 6'6 220, should have been penciled in before continuing to sign receivers. Everyone wants names, but there is so much chemistry required for QB's and receivers and it just does not happen when you put great players around eachother. I mean how can they have Johnson out perfoming Rome out there?

So far the only good thing that happened in preseason so far is Pettis muffed another punt and will hopefully be released, if he has not been already.

True, we do. I will say though, prior to the practice game, I was hearing noise coming out of camp about Johnson as well. Could be he ends up practice squad, but not a lot to hate about a 6'6" wide out who can high point passes and not drop TD tosses.

 

[justanidiot]

True, we do. I will say though, prior to the practice game, I was hearing noise coming out of camp about Johnson as well. Could be he ends up practice squad, but not a lot to hate about a 6'6" wide out who can high point passes and not drop TD tosses.

yeah, no way he is getting thru the process so he can be signed to our practice squad. His best option without injuries is 4th receiver, probably for the next 4 years. Hopefully they wait to see what Rome does on the field before committing to Allen getting a 20 million dollar per year extension, but they are using the crystal ball now.

If they cut him he will see more of a future signing with another team without the greatest wr trio in modern day history so he can see the field and get his place in line for 20 million.

 

[richig07]

Windy City Gridiron ponders how many WRs make the 53 man roster:

Chicago Bears 2024 Position Battles: How many wide receivers make the 53?

In this 11-part series, we’ll go position by position, examining the players on the Chicago Bears 90-man roster and their chances to make the team.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Waldron opened the 2023 season in Seattle with six receivers on the roster, so if the Bears follow suit, there will be a lot of guys fighting for one spot.

Assuming the Bears go with 5 RBs (which includes the FB) and 3 TEs, and both counts seem logical, it's gonna be hard to squeeze that 7th receiver in without sacrificing some other position. After the big three, I'm looking at Scott and Jones as pretty much locks, so it's a battle between the remaining names to land that 6h spot. If I'm a betting man, at this point I'm going with DeAndre Carter.

Jones being rested during the HOF game is a good sign he's safe. Carter is a good bet.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Jones being rested during the HOF game is a good sign he's safe. Carter is a good bet.

Carter is a safe bet at this point, but I have to admit I was intrigued by the performance of Collin Johnson Thursday night. He provides an almost TE-sized body for those contested passes. And altho he had a couple of drops, I'll chalk the first one to early game nerves, and the second one was only determined after a replay. The defender was all over him with excellent coverage and he still came close to hauling in that pass. Was he on our practice squad last year? Anyway, one game does not make for a roster deciding decision, but I'd like to see more of him in the three remaining games before it gets cut down to 53.

 

[richig07]

Carter is a safe bet at this point, but I have to admit I was intrigued by the performance of Collin Johnson Thursday night. He provides an almost TE-sized body for those contested passes. And altho he had a couple of drops, I'll chalk the first one to early game nerves, and the second one was only determined after a replay. The defender was all over him with excellent coverage and he still came close to hauling in that pass. Was he on our practice squad last year? Anyway, one game does not make for a roster deciding decision, but I'd like to see more of him in the three remaining games before it gets cut down to 53.

I liked Johnson, too. That being said, if he can't play SPT's - it won't matter. I have no idea how good he is in that department. I didn't see him make a play in coverage or anything.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I liked Johnson, too. That being said, if he can't play SPT's - it won't matter. I have no idea how good he is in that department. I didn't see him make a play in coverage or anything.

Think I saw somehwere in a game recap that he had a tackle playing STs. But I agree, without being able to participate in STs, there would be little chance of him making the team. Regardless, I'd nonetheless like to see more of him in these preseason games.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Here the latest projected 53 man roster from WCG after game 2 of the preseason:

Mid-Preseason Check In: Chicago Bears 53-man Roster Projection

The Chicago Bears are halfway through their preseason slate. Roster battles are competitive and tough decisions are coming. We’re taking a mid-preseason temperature on how the final roster might shake out with the cutdown period approaching.

www.windycitygridiron.com

Some notes of interest with this latest update:

*Only 4 RBs and no FB? If the Bears insist they're going to remain a run-first team, then a FB is pretty much essential. Maybe a change is coming.
*That would-be 5th RB spot is now showing up under 4 tight ends. Not sure we need 4 of them.
*Noah Sewell has barely donned a jersey to date, yet they have him making the roster. Micah Baskerville might have something to say about this.
*The projected practice squad might be our most talented group yet. That's a clear sign of an NFL team on the rise.