The Chicago Bears roster bubble for 2019 isn’t likely to feature any big names. Such is the rare stability the team has managed to obtain going into training camp and the preseason. That doesn’t mean all 90 players should be feeling comfortable. There are a few who may have looked like strong locks back in the spring but for one reason or another suddenly find themselves in a dogfight.
Everybody knows that every roster cutdown can bring surprises with certain names being released or kept that people weren’t expecting. That is why it’s never smart to assume people are safe. Here are six names that stick out at present who need to worry about their current status.
Chicago Bears roster bubble standouts
Javon Wims (WR)
He was a preseason dynamo in 2018 but didn’t get a chance to play much for the Bears in actual games. Not until the season finale did Wims see action and even then he looked sharp. The team likes him and still has high hopes for what he can do. It’s a question of whether he’s made strides learning the offense and how to play the position more efficiently.
Early signs are he has, but that doesn’t guarantee him a roster spot. The Bears made significant additions to their wide receiver position this offseason with new faces including Cordarrelle Patterson, Riley Ridley, Marvin Hall, and Emanuel Hall. Those first two names are almost certain to make the final cut. Along with Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller that should lock up five spots.
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That leaves little room for Wims, having to beat the Halls in order to avoid the practice squad.
Taquan Mizzell (RB)
Head coach Matt Nagy seemed to really like Taquan Mizzell last season. The undersized by athletic running back saw a lot more action than people expected, even catching a touchdown pass. However, his limitations were also clear. Sometimes too clear. That was one of the big reasons the team overhauled the position this offseason.
No fewer than three new names have arrived since March with Mike Davis, David Montgomery, and Kerrith Whyte coming via free agency and the draft. It’s unlikely the Bears will carry five running backs. With Davis, Montgomery, and Tarik Cohen looking like locks, Mizzell has to hope he can outbattle Whyte and other incumbent Ryan Nall to keep his job.
Ben Braunecker (TE)
Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen should be safe regarding their respective spots at tight end. The Bears will carry a third and as of now, Ben Braunecker is the clear favorite to claim that spot. He just re-signed to a new two-year deal and GM Ryan Pace singled him out as somebody they like and have high hopes for this coming season.
That doesn’t mean he’s safe just yet. The Bears have a pair of intriguing undrafted free agents they acquired in Dax Raymond and Ian Bunting. Both have athletic upside and other qualities the team looks for. If they can show out on special teams over the next month, this could put Braunecker on the spot. That is unless the team decides to carry four tight ends.
Ted Larsen (OG)
Talk about a name nobody expected to return. Ted Larsen played for the Bears a couple of years ago before heading off to Miami. Luck for him, circumstances dictated the Bears need for some veteran depth on the interior offensive line. Larsen was available and thus he returned on a one-year deal. He should be relatively secure, but not entirely.
Chicago made a pair of interesting undrafted moves when they signed Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher. Both come from Notre Dame and were solid players for the Irish. They also have strong connections to line coach Harry Hiestand, which gives them an advantage most wouldn’t have in this situation. If they perform well, Larsen may be an unlikely sacrifice.
Kylie Fitts (OLB)
Probably one of the most interesting position groups on the entire Bears roster is outside linebacker. The team is set at starter with Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd. Aaron Lynch should be the primary backup after returning on a new deal. Where it gets interesting are those final two spots. Last season they were occupied by Isaiah Irving and rookie 6th round pick Kylie Fitts.
The Bears though made a pair of undrafted signings that put the latter under the microscope. Mathieu Betts was a star in Canada with 33.5 sacks for his college. He then proceeded to shine in the East-West Shrine Game. Chuck Harris was a standout at Buffalo and is also somebody they like. If either plays up to their potential, Fitts may not be able to survive another year.
Kevin Toliver (CB)
Cornerback will probably be a position that could be in a state of flux on defense. This because the demands of former coordinator Vic Fangio and new one Chuck Pagano are different in that regard. Pagano is a defensive back specialist so his type of corner may different from what his predecessor preferred. That puts Kevin Toliver in an awkward position.
The former undrafted free agent from LSU had some nice moments in 2018 but didn’t really stand out as somebody who is a major part of the Bears’ future. Throw in the fact that the team added two cornerbacks via the draft in Duke Shelley and Stephen Denmark, it’s a clear message the team isn’t handing him anything. He’ll have to prove himself all over again to a new coaching staff.
