Bears’ projected depth chart following 2022 NFL draft

The Chicago Bears added a new crop of rookies in the 2022 NFL draft, where there have been some changes on the projected depth chart with some top selections.

The Bears added three potential immediate contributors in cornerback Kyler Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., which addressed three of the team’s biggest needs.

With the addition of this new group of rookies and recent free-agent signings, Chicago’s depth chart has some changes. But, for the most part, things have remained consistent.

Here’s a look at the Bears’ current projected depth chart after the NFL draft:

Quarterback

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There’s no disputing that Justin Fields will be QB1 heading into this season, but there’s been plenty of change behind him on the depth chart this offseason. Chicago released Nick Foles and added Trevor Siemian, who will serve as Fields’ backup, and recently signed Nathan Peterman to be QB3.

Running back

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Running back is one of the more dependable positions on the roster, which is led by starter David Montgomery. Khalil Herbert is coming off an encouraging rookie season, where he’s proven himself to be a reliable option behind Montgomery. This offseason, Chicago has added three running backs — Darrynton Evans, fullback Khari Blasingame, sixth-round rookie Trestan Ebner and undrafted rookie De’Montre Tuggle.

Wide receiver

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The wide receivers room remains a point of contention among fans and analysts, where Darnell Mooney is the only proven guy in the bunch. The Bears added Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown in free agency, as well as Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL draft. Recent additions Dante Pettis and Tajae Sharpe figure to have the best chance to also make Chicago’s roster.

Tight end

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The tight end room is going to look a lot different in 2022. Cole Kmet is coming off an encouraging second season, where his production doubled. Chicago added a few veterans in Ryan Griffin, James O’Shaughnessy and Rysen John, as well as undrafted rookies Chase Allen and Jake Tonges. The Bears released Jesper Horsted with an injury settlement.

Offensive line

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There’s no change on the offensive line projected depth chart following the NFL draft. While Chicago drafted four offensive linemen on Day 3, none of them project to serve an immediate starting role…at least right now. Larry Borom, Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick and Teven Jenkins appear to be locks to start somewhere on the offensive line, where there’s currently a hole at right guard.

Defensive line

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There isn’t any change with our current defensive line projections, where Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson and Al-Quadin Muhammad will anchor the edge and Justin Jones will serve as the 3-technique. The Bears added Dominique Robinson in the fifth-round of the NFL draft, and he has the potential to develop into an impact player down the road.

Linebacker

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The Bears appear set at linebacker, led by one of the NFL’s best in Roquan Smith. They signed Nicholas Morrow in free agency to serve alongside Smith, and the question becomes who will serve as the strong side linebacker. That appears to be Matthew Adams. Chicago landed a top undrafted free agent in Jack Sanborn, who has a good chance of making the roster.

Cornerback

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There were plenty of questions at cornerback heading into the offseason, and the Bears addressed those with some intriguing additions. Chicago drafted Kyler Gordon with their top selection in the second round to start opposite Jaylon Johnson on the outside. Meanwhile, it looks like it’ll be Tavon Young in the slot.

Safety

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Much like cornerback, the Bears had a glaring hole at safety, which is why Ryan Poles selected Jaquan Brisker with Chicago’s second second-round pick. Brisker is expected to start at strong safety opposite Eddie Jackson. The Bears did add some key depth this offseason in Dane Cruikshank, re-signed DeAndre Houston-Carson and drafted Elijah Hicks on Day 3.

Specialists

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The Bears special teams unit will look different this season following the departure of punter Pat O’Donnell in free agency. Chicago now has two punters on the roster in Ryan Winslow and seventh-round rookie Trenton Gill, who will battle for the starting role.

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