4 Takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ first unofficial depth chart

The Chicago Bears released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Thursday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame game.

Check it out:

First unofficial Bears depth chart pic.twitter.com/GYAu0YrliW

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) July 26, 2024

Here are some big takeaways from the first depth chart.

The battle for backup QB wages on

It’s safe to assume Tyson Bagent will end training camp as the Bears’ backup quarterback, but it’s not his job just yet. The Bears made it clear that Brett Rypien is still competing for QB2 with the big fat “or” between Bagent and Rypien’s names on the depth chart.

Bagent was one of last year’s pleasant surprises for the Chicago Bears. An undrafted free agent from Shepherd University, Bagent proved to be as effective as Justin Fields at times in 2023. He’s also an awesome personality. He’ll get the gig.

Roschon Johnson vs. Khalil Herbert will be fun to watch

D’Andre Swift is the unquestioned starting running back of the Chicago Bears, but the first running back off the bench remains a big unknown. The general thought was that Khalil Herbert would be that guy because he possesses a skill set similar to Swift’s. But with Herbert in the final year of his contract, the Bears might choose to groom Johnson for a bigger role moving forward.

I believe Herbert is a more explosive runner than Johnson and would prefer the Bears give him the nod as RB2 to begin the season, but if Johnson flashes big-play ability in training camp and the preseason, he could end up living up to last summer’s hype.

Center remains the most significant battle in training camp

Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton have that awkward “or” between their names on the depth chart, too. Bates is listed with the first team right now, and I do think he’ll end up winning the job. General manager Ryan Poles traded for him. And while he still has to win the starting role on the grass, he was handpicked by the GM and coaching staff during the offseason.

Regardless of who wins the center job, the Bears have an upgrade over the misfits they fielded in 2023.

There’s no competition opposite Montez Sweat

DeMarcus Walker might be the Chicago Bears player with the most to gain over the next few weeks. He’s the unchallenged starter at defensive end opposite Montez Sweat, and while that may not be too much of a surprise, it is at least a little interesting that the Bears haven’t made it a competition with that pesky “or” between a few names.

Bears fans on social media have wondered whether the Bears will sign a veteran pass rusher before the 2024 season begins. I think there’s a chance they will, but they have a lot more confidence in Walker than you think. He’ll be given an opportunity to prove he can be Sweat’s running mate.