Roster Changes

 

Key additions

RB Mike Davis, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, G Ted Larsen, CB Buster Skrine, S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

 

Key losses

RB Benny Cunningham, WR Josh Bellamy, WR Kevin White, G Bryan Witzmann, G/C Eric Kush, CB Bryce Callahan, S Adrian Amos

 

2019 draft class

RB David Montgomery (3.73), WR Riley Ridley (4.126), CB Duke Shelley (6.205), RB Kerrith Whyte Jr. (7.222), CB Stephen Denmark (7.238)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Mitchell Trubisky
RB: David Montgomery
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Anthony Miller
WR: Taylor Gabriel
TE: Trey Burton
LT: Charles Leno Jr.
LG: Cody Whitehair
C: James Daniels
RG: Kyle Long
RT: Bobby Massie

 

Defense

DE: Akiem Hicks
DT: Eddie Goldman
DE: Bilal Nichols
OLB: Khalil Mack
ILB: Roquan Smith
ILB: Danny Trevathan
OLB: Leonard Floyd
CB: Kyle Fuller
CB: Prince Amukamara
S: Eddie Jackson
S: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Chase Daniel, RB Tarik Cohen, RB Mike Davis, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Riley Ridley, WR Javon Wims, TE Adam Shaheen, OT Bradley Sowell, G Ted Larsen, DE Jonathan Bullard, OLB Aaron Lynch, OLB Kylie Fitts, ILB Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB Joel Iyiebuniwe, CB Buster Skrine, CB Sherrick McManis, CB Duke Shelley, CB Kevin Toliver, S Deon Bush

 

Biggest strength: Linebacker

Running back, receiver, defensive line, and safety could have all been options, but Chicago’s linebackers—both outside and inside—are as good as it gets. Besides having one of the best overall players in the league (Khalil Mack), the Bears have an emerging superstar (Roquan Smith) with two impact difference-makers (Danny Trevathan and Leonard Floyd) all forming a feared foursome.

 

Biggest weakness: Defensive depth

Chicago’s starting defense is probably the best in the NFL, but a couple injuries hitting (particularly at cornerback or on the defensive line) would really hurt their top-heavy unit. I think general manager Ryan Pace should aggressively target any veterans that are released this summer to fill out the depth chart, as the franchise can’t waste a year of Mitchell Trubisky’s rookie contract by falling out of contention due to injuries.

 

Position battle to watch: Wide receiver

While the starters are likely locked in on both sides of the ball, the final two or three (or perhaps four) spots at wide receiver will be up for grabs. When it comes to making the roster, Cordarrelle Patterson is sure to stick around because of the value he brings in the return game, and Riley Ridley is almost guaranteed to make the team as a thought-to-be Day 2 prospect that slipped to the fourth round. However, there should be an opening for Javon Wims to not only make the team, but also win the No. 4 receiver job, and undrafted rookie Emanuel Hall brings a speed element that Matt Nagy might want behind Taylor Gabriel.

 

One more thought

Unless he wins a Super Bowl, Mitchell Trubisky will always be unfairly criticized just because he was surprisingly selected with the No. 2 pick the 2017 NFL Draft, but he played great under a new coaching staff last season, and the North Carolina product will hopefully make another leap in 2019. Overall, all the pieces are in place with three very good backs, a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and great complimentary pieces in a creative system.

 

Early over/under: 9 wins (via CBS Sports)

Over. This is a tough one because the Bears will take on a first-place schedule, but if everyone stays healthy on defense, Chicago has all the talent to repeat as NFC North champions. Also, while I’m taking the over, it’s worth noting that the kicking game could be a huge issue based on how last season ended.