Training camp may still be several weeks away, but the Chicago Bears have officially started their OTAs, which makes this a good time to predict what the depth charts will look like in 2024.
I'll likely get a few of these wrong, but for right now, I think we can make some pretty good guesses as to who will start and who will have to ride the pine.
Defensive Line
The Bears will once again run a 4-3 base defense, giving them two starting defensive tackles and two defensive ends. Most of the starters here will be obvious: Pro Bowler Montez Sweat and Andrew Billings will keep their starting jobs, while sophomore Gervon Dexter Sr. is the runaway favorite to step into Justin Jones' role since he signed with the Arizona Cardinals. DeMarcus Walker will likely be the DE2 to start the season.
Here's why I will make my bold prediction: 5th-round rookie Austin Booker will be the DE2 at some point in the season. I know he's incredibly raw and needs a lot of work. But let's be honest: The Bears simply do not have a great option for DE2, and I think they will want to get Booker on the field and get live reps right away. Experience is the best teacher, after all.
After these starters, the Bears will likely carry Zacch Pickens, Dominique Robinson, and Byron Cowart. Undrafted rookie Keith Randolph Jr. out of Illinois can also make the 53-man roster when the season starts. Many draft analysts, myself included, were shocked to see Randolph undrafted. I think he's got the goods to make a fantastic impression in training camp and could very well play his way into a roster spot, much like Sanborn did after going undrafted in 2022.
Linebackers
Arguably, the Bears' best position group is their linebackers, and I don't anticipate any changes from last year. Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, and Jack Sanborn will be the starters. Second-year player Noah Sewell and veteran free agent acquisition Amen Ogbongbemiga will be the main backups for this group.
Not much more to say about this position except that there's no reason to expect any major shakeups here. As usual, Chicago is loaded up with quality linebackers.
Secondary
Like the linebacker room, Chicago's secondary has been meticulously crafted, and there shouldn't be any major shakeups here. Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson, fresh off a hefty contract extension, will be CB1, with Tyrique Stevenson as CB2 and Kyler 'Spider' Gordon playing nickel cornerback. When all three are healthy, this is arguably the best trio of cornerbacks in the entire league.
At safety, the only change comes from the departure of longtime starter Eddie Jackson. In his stead, the Bears signed Kevin Byard, who is already hyped up for a revenge game against his former team in the season opener. He'll be the veteran complement to Jaquan Brisker, who is entering his third season.
Backing up these starters, we'll likely see cornerbacks Terrell Smith, Josh Blackwell, and Jaylon Jones, and safeties Jonathan Owens and Quindell Johnson.
