Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster: Early Look At Whom to Cut and Whom to Keep

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Defense

# of Safeties = 5

Kevin Payne, Craig Steltz, Josh Bullocks, Glenn Earl, and Danieal Manning.

Manning doesn't really count. He is listed as a safety on the roster, but if he is on the field during a defensive position, he needs to be a nickel corner. He is a miserable safety. 

Odd man out: Sixth-round pick Al Afalava. Look for the practice squad.

# of Cornerbacks = 5

Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Corey Graham, D.J. Moore, and Zachary Bowman.

There is talk of moving Graham to safety, which I am all for,  because it would basically be flipping him and Manning. But otherwise a solid corps, if healthy.

Odd man out: Trumaine McBride. Another guy I don't want to see us lose, McBride had a great rookie year, but was just abused last season whenever he got into games.

With the addition of Moore and the potential of Bowman, I am afraid there just won't be a way to keep him.

# of Linebackers = 6

Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Pisa Tiniosamoa, Jamar Williams, Nick Roach, and Marcus Freeman.

Urlacher, Briggs, and Pisa are a given. Williams has been waiting in the wings for a chance to play, and the coaching staff seem to just love him.

Roach came in last year and played pretty well. He would have been the starter this year if it wasn't for the addition of Pisa.

Freeman is a rookie; a lot of people feel his upside is huge. He will learn well playing behind those three starters.

Odd men out: Hunter Hillenmeyer and Joey LaRocque. Hunter was a great guy, but in the end he just doesn't have a spot here. Look for him to be in one of the early cuts so he has a chance to jump on with another team.

LaRocque was another special team ace that Hester and Manning will probably miss more than one would think.

# of Defensive Ends = 5

Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, Mark Anderson, Israel Idonije, and Henry Melton.

I want to put Melton on the practice squad, but there would be no way he'd make it through waivers. Idonije is listed as a DT but he can play anywhere on the line, so I put him here.

Odd man out: Ervin Baldwin. Another player who never really got a chance, he could be practice squad material if he is eligible.

# of Defensive Tackles = 5

Tommie Harris, Marcus Harrison, Jaron Gilbert, Dusty Dvoracek, and Anthony Adams.

Gilbert is listed as a DT but there was talk of him being capable of playing end as well which gives some more flexibility to the line. These four DT, if they stay healthy, and with the coach of "Hot" Rod Marinelli, could become a dominate force.

Odd man out: Matt "Big Toe" Toeaina. Toeaina got some playing time a couple years ago for the Bears when they suffered injuries and played pretty well. He just doesn't really have a spot on the roster and I am pretty sure he is not eligible for the practice squad.

Defensive total = 26

Special Teams

Punter = 1: Brad Maynard

Kicker = 1: Robbie Gould

Long Snapper = 1: Patrick Mannelly

Total players = 52 out of 53

That leaves one spot open. Fill it in. Personally, I keep A.P. for special teams skills.

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