Here’s What the 2022 Chicago Bears Roster Looks Like Like as We Begin July

Finally, we’ve made it to July!

Which means football comes LATER THIS MONTH.

Report day for the Bears is in 25 days. The team’s first practice will happen the next day. And one day after that, Halas Hall will host Bears fans for the first of 11 open practices at the team’s sparkling Lake Forest facility.

But before we get there, let’s go over the roster and projected starters. I’ve added some commentary underneath every position group for context, perspective, and maybe even a laugh or two along the way. Enjoy!

(Ed. note: If you find yourself wondering ‘when did the Bears get *THAT* guy and see their name in bold, click the link and let’s re-visit some transactions.)

QUARTERBACKS

  • QB1: Justin Fields
  • Reserves: Trevor Siemian, Nathan Peterman

    Andy Dalton isn’t around to take precious developmental snaps. And Matt Nagy isn’t here to muck it all up. It’s Fields’ time to shine, and I’m looking forward to it.

    RUNNING BACKS

  • RB1: David Montgomery
  • RB2/Fantasy handcuff: Khalil Herbert
  • Reserves: Darrynton Evans, Trestan Ebner (rookie), De’Montre Tuggle (rookie)

    The Montgomery-Herbert tandem can be an offensive force if first-year play-caller Luke Getsy deploys them in a similar way to how the Packers use Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. But don’t sleep on Evans, who could snatch the RB2 handle from Herbert. Remember, the new regime brought in Evans on a waiver claim and has no prior attachment to Herbert. Three reserves jockeying for position could make camp quite interesting for this backfield.

    FULLBACKS

  • Khari Blasingame
  • That’s right, the Bears are employing a fullback once again.

    WIDE RECEIVERS

  • WR1: Darnell Mooney
  • WR2: Byron Pringle
  • WR3: Velus Jones Jr. (rookie)
  • Reserves: Equanimeous St. Brown, Tajae Sharpe, Dante Pettis, Dazz Newsome, David Moore, Nsimba Webster, Chris Finke, Isaiah Coulter, Kevin Shaa (rookie)

    On the one hand, the Bears have a neat collection of post-hype sleepers. Rolling the dice on ESB, Sharpe, and Pettis while hoping one of the three hits isn’t an awful strategy when it comes to building usable receiver depth. It’s just that the rest of the group, save for Mooney, leaves me wanting so much more. Perhaps Pringle’s breakout has another level because he’ll be a primary target for the first time in his career. But it is possible he takes a step back because Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill aren’t walking through that tunnel and drawing defensive attention. All eyes will be on these receivers.

    TIGHT ENDS

  • TE1: Cole Kmet
  • Reserves: Ryan Griffin, James O’Shaughnessy, Rysen John, Chase Allen (rookie), Jake Tonges (rookie)

    It’s nice not having myriad choices of reserves to sort through in order to figure out who will make the 53-man roster. Do I wish this group had more upside? Absolutely. Griffin and O’Shaughnessy are veterans who will probably play the same role. This collection of talent could use a route-running, pass-catching threat. But maybe Kmet has another level to his game we haven’t seen yet? This is an important summer for the rising third-year tight end.

    OFFENSIVE LINE

  • LT Braxton Jones (rookie)
  • LG Cody Whitehair
  • C Lucas Patrick
  • RG ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • RT Larry Borom
  • Reserves: Teven Jenkins, Julién Davenport, Dieter Eiselen, Sam Mustipher, Willie Wright, Dakota Dozier (IR), Lachavious Simmons, Shon Coleman, Ja’Tyre Carter (rookie), Doug Kramer (rookie), Zachary Thomas (rookie)

    GM Ryan Poles’ biggest whiff this offseason might have been his handling of the right guard position. It is clear that Ryan Bates was the team’s first option, but that deal falling through left the Bears with a big question-mark at an important position. That the Bears went hard after Bates suggests that Poles (1) might not be pleased with what’s already in camp and (2) could be willing to seek external help. The offensive line is a place to keep an eye on salary cap casualties, as Ryan Pace did when the team brought in Josh Sitton late in the summer back in 2016.

    DEFENSIVE LINE

  • DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
  • DT Justin Jones
  • DT Khyiris Tonga
  • DE Robert Quinn
  • Reserves: Trevis Gipson, LaCale London, Angelo Blackson, Mario Edwards Jr., Sam Kamara, Micah Dew-Treadway (rookie), Auzoyah Alufohai, Dominique Robinson (rookie), Charles Snowden, Mike Pennel, Carson Taylor (rookie)

    Even though there is a real chance Quinn is gone by the time Week 1 rolls around, I’ll operate as if he is part of the Bears’ immediate future until told otherwise. Even if Quinn were to go, the Bears would be OK with Gipson getting a lion’s share of the starter’s reps. But after we get past Justin Jones, who plays the other defensive tackle spot in the four-down front is an open competition.

    LINEBACKERS

  • Weakside LB: Nicholas Morrow
  • Mike LB: Roquan Smith
  • Strong-side LB: Matthew Adams
  • Reserves: Joe Thomas, Caleb Johnson, Jack Sanborn (rookie), Christian Albright (rookie), Noah Dawkins, C.J. Avery (rookie)

    Two newbies (Morrow, Adams) are set to flank Roquan in the middle when the Bears roll with three linebackers. However, because defenses spend so much time in a base defense with just two LBs, we can expect Smith and Morrow to be on the gridiron for most of those reps.

    CORNERBACKS

  • Boundary CB1: Jaylon Johnson
  • Boundary CB2: Kyler Gordon (rookie)
  • Slot/nickel CB: Thomas Graham Jr.
  • Reserves: Duke Shelley, Kindle Vildor, Tavon Young, Lamar Jackson, BoPete Keyes, Michael Joseph, Jayson Stanley, Greg Stroman Jr., Jaylon Jones, Allie Green IV (rookie)

    Drafting Gordon immediately puts him at the top of the depth chart to start opposite of Johnson. But behind the Gordon-Johnson duo is a slew of potential camp battles. Graham finished minicamp in June as the first-string nickel corner, but the likes of Young, Shelley, and Vildor figure to be up for the challenge. I can’t wait to see who else steps up later this month and when preseason games begin.

    SAFETIES

  • FS Eddie Jackson
  • SS Jaquan Brisker (rookie)
  • Reserves: DeAndre Houston-Carson, Dane Cruikshank, Elijah Hicks (rookie), A.J. Thomas (rookie), Jon Alexander (rookie)

    The offseason overhaul of the safeties room was subtle, but much appreciated. Two rookies (Brisker, Hicks) and a free agent (Cruikshank) help round out a group that returns a former star on the rebound (Jackson) and Jack-of-many-trades (Houston-Carson) who seems to be easing into the Sherrick McManis special teams ace/useful DB role.

    SPECIALISTS

  • Kicker: Cairo Santos
  • Punter/holder: Trenton Gill (because Pat O’Donnell went full turncoat)
  • Long-snapper: Patrick Scales
  • Punt returns: Dazz Newsome
  • Kick returns: Khalil Herbert
  • The Bears finally have some continuity at the place-kicker position with Cairo Santos, but he’ll be dealing with a new holder/punter in rookie seventh-round pick Trenton Gill. But will they be dealing with a new long-snapper? Antonio Ortiz, a rookie from TCU, is in the mix for a gig.

    We’ll probably see the likes of Nsimba Webster and Velus Jones Jr. get some reps in the return game behind Dazz Newsome and Khalil Herbert starting the month with a leg up.

    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    How to Watch Braves vs. Phillies: Live Stream or on TV

    The Atlanta Braves, with Spencer Strider on the mound, take on the Philadelphia Phillies (who will counter with Zack Wheeler) in their opening game of the season, at 3:05 PM ET on Friday.Keep reading to find out all the details...

    Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

    Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

    The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Arizona Diamondbacks begin their season as -226 favorites in a home tilt against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on ARID.Arizona's Zac Gallen and Colorado's Kyle Freeland have been named the starters for this contest.Diamondbacks...

    Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners start their season as home favorites (-155) in a matchup with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on NESN from T-Mobile Park.Seattle's Luis Castillo and Boston's Brayan Bello have been named the...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Cleveland Guardians look to start their season with a win as road favorites (-145) in a season-opening matchup with the Oakland Athletics. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET on NBCS-CA, live from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Cleveland's Shane...

    Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

    more bears news