The Chicago Bears ushered in the start of the preseason with the release of their first depth chart. Most people will call it unofficial, meaning it’s best not to read too much into it. That might be true, but here’s the thing. The team wouldn’t bother releasing a depth chart at all if it meant nothing. They could simply list obvious backups as starters if they wanted, if it meant nothing. While no final decisions have been made, these lists are at least a small indication of the coaching staff’s thoughts.
There were some minor surprises on the offensive side. Dante Pettis is listed as the seventh receiver, meaning he likely doesn’t make the team if the final cuts were today. Trestan Ebner is ahead of free agent addition Travis Homer at running back. Aviante Collins appears to be in the mix for the primary backup tackle spot. However, the biggest surprise came on the defensive side, where Trevis Gipson was spotted at the bottom of the edge rusher depth chart. It isn’t an exaggeration. He literally sticks out like a sore thumb.
The Chicago Bears may not like the progress they’ve seen.
Gipson was a disappointment last season. After posting seven sacks in 2021, he managed only three last year. Hopes were high that remaking his body for the new 4-3 system under Alan Williams would help. Yet by most accounts, he’s been quiet in practice aside from occasional one-on-one victories. Meanwhile, others have stood out far more. Dominique Robinson, the Bears’ 5th round pick from last year, has stepped up his game this summer. Veteran addition Terrell Lewis has been the most pleasant surprise of camp. Even undrafted rookie D’Anthony Jones has flashed plenty of potential.
Together with DeMarcus Walker and new arrival Yannick Ngakoue, Gipson suddenly finds the competition far steeper than last season. That makes the upcoming preseason games the most vital of his career. If he can’t produce in game action over the next three weeks, there is a realistic possibility he might be the latest Ryan Pace pick to find his way out of town. Considering how many people felt he was a lock to make the roster a few months ago, this development is an undeniable shock.
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Are we shocked? When dudes get handed the opportunity to justify their future pay days and they lay an egg… yeah getting buried in the depth chart happens.
I wish we would stop with the Nathan Peterman nonsense. Get him the hell out of here. Why let him take ANY reps away from Bagent? Neither of the 2 will make the main roster, but might as well see if Bagent has anything to offer since we all know Peterman does not.
The purpose of this pretend depth chart may only be to light a fire under a few guys. Instead it has a bunch of you guys with your pants on fire. Watch the film. It won’t lie.
How many of you are surprised that Larry Borom is listed as second string LT? Ryan Poles may want to purge former Pace players — but Borom still has the “best feet” of any O-lineman on the roster. Gipson and Kindle Vildor will have no problem finding a new NFL home. Nate Davis, and his $30 millions look like another “Larry Ogunjobi — Ryan Bates — Al-Quadin Muhammad — Lucas Patrick — Riley Reiff money pit.” So much for “performance over politics” on a Ryan Poles-constructed team. And now, Erik is telling his readers that Yannick Ngakoue is the “new… Read more »
Looking at the chart. They really need some depth at safety. A bunch of 7th rounders and undrafted guys behind Jackson and Brisker.