Chicago Bear's Insider: A Way Too Early Look at the Depth Chart on Special Tea

The Chicago Bears have had good special teams units ever since head coach Lovie Smith took over the head coaching job and it looks like they are poised to have a strong season on that unit in 2011.  Right now it appears as if they may have some key decisions to make in terms of personnel on that unit as punter Brad Maynard, gunner Corey Graham and Brian Iwuh are all free agents and losing these three (or perhaps any one of the three) would be a detriment to the unit.

The new kickoff rule is bound to have some effect on the way that the Bears, in particular Devin Hester, gain field position this coming season. Hopefully the Bears will be able to get something going despite the new restrictions. Hester should be used much more often returning punts and kickoffs next season (especially if Danieal Manning isn’t re-signed) and while he might not have the great success he is used to he will be a vital factor.

So let’s take a look at the special teams depth chart as we prepare to head into training camp and eventually on to the start of the 2011 NFL season.

Kicker

In: Robbie Gould

Out: None

Gould is hands down going to be the starting kicker for the Bears in 2011.  Chicago may decide to bring in a “camp leg” to help keep Gould fresh and ready for the season but there is no threat to his starting job.  Gould had a pretty nice season last year and is getting good distance on his field goals and his kickoffs so there is no reason the Bears would try to replace him.

Punter

In: Richmond McGee

Out: Brad Maynard

Chicago has seemingly been down about Maynard over the past couple of seasons and has been close to replacing only to see him have strong training camps and remain on the roster.  Being a free agent isn’t going to help his case and the Bears may feel that it’s finally time to cut ties with him and let him go.  McGee has done well in some previous action in camp with the Bears and just might be able to catch on with the Bears and supplant Maynard (if they actually sign him) this training camp.

Gunner/Specialist

In: Corey Graham

Out: NA

The Bears should be able sign Graham even though he will be somewhat of a hot commodity for other teams due to his special teams ability.  Remembering what happened with Brendon Ayanbadejo may force the Bears to try to do something to keep him and help keep consistency on their special teams next season.

Kick Return Specialist

In: Devin Hester, Johnny Knox

Out: Danieal Manning

It’s very likely that Manning won’t be a Chicago Bear when the season begins so the Bears will rely on Hester and Knox to return kicks and give the team good field position.  Hester and Knox have both been to the Pro Bowl so there will be some great talent there, but with the new kickoff rule coming into place this season will the Bears special teams be as effective as they have been?  It’s going to be interesting to see how the Bears overcome this in 2011.

Punt Return Specialist

In: Devin Hester, Earl Bennett

Out: None

The Bears are going to use Hester on punt returns as much as possible since he is clearly the best player for that job.  Look for him to continue having a lot of success returning punts next season giving the Bears good field position and a threat to score every time he touches the ball.  Bennett is a capable backup and can spell Hester whenever he needs a break.

Long Snapper

In: Patrick Mannelly

Out: None

The Bears really like Mannelly and he should be around for another season or two.  His backup last year was Desmond Clark and with the likelihood that Clark won’t be back they will have to find another backup in 2011.

Holder

In: Richmond McGee

Out: Brad Maynard

A holder is a very important part of special teams and if Maynard isn’t back then you can bet that the Bears will try to put McGee in his role.