Chicago Bears: Predicting the 2011 Opening Day Depth Chart
Even during normal offseasons, predictions of this sort would be challenging. Given the lockout and general uncertainty about the upcoming season, it is downright ridiculous.
Nevertheless, it is the assignment I have chosen to take on.
Meanwhile, many questions abound. Such as, who will the Bears draft? Will there be a preseason, and if not, how will the coaches determine who is in playing shape and which young players deserve to be retained?
Also, the issue of free agency may be a real crap shoot. Teams may have a very small window in which to sign free agents, including their own, which presents another challenge in predicting how the rosters will look on Sept. 11.
Recognizing this, there are some assumptions to be made here.
Taking the mock draft predictions, and mixing in the players I feel they should make a concerted effort to re-sign, and combining that with a couple of potential free agent acquisitions, I present to you the opening day depth chart for the Chicago Bears.
Running Back
1 of 12
Do not look for the Bears to draft a running back this year. With Forte and Taylor, they appear set at the position.
1. Matt Forte
After a rough season in 2009, Forte had a solid 2010. He became the first player in Bears' history to gain at least 1,400 yards from scrimmage in each of his first three seasons.
2. Chester Taylor
Bad offensive line or not, there is no denying that Taylor had a very disappointing season in 2010, avering just 2.4 yards per carry.
Despite his dismal performance, don't believe the rumors of his being released. The majority of his contract was front loaded, so it makes sense to bring him back for another season.
Plus, consider this quote from Lovie Smith (source: ESPN.com).
“We brought in Chester to be a complement to Matt, which he was,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “As Matt really took off, Chester was the perfect team player. Those two guys, first off, get along; they're friends. Chester accepted his role of being ready. Some games, we need him more than others. We tried to give him a role on some of the short yardage, some of those things. I know the numbers weren't there, but Matt's numbers were up. You're just looking for the running back position's numbers to go up, which they did.”
3. Kahlil Bell
Bell was not on the roster last season, but the departure of Garrett Wolfe means he will be third on the depth chart entering the season.
4. Harvey Unga
Unga was selected in the 2010 supplemental draft. He may need to find a way to contribute on special teams if he is going to make the roster in 2011.
Wide Receiver
2 of 12
SIZE DOES MATTER: The average height of Bears wide receivers last season was 5-foot-10.
The Bears need a big, physical receiver and I predict they will sign one. Drafting one doesn't appear to be in the cards, at least not in the first four rounds.
1 – Johnny Knox
Knox was Chicago’s number one receiver in 2010 as he was targeted more times than any other Bears’ receiver. He fell just short of a 1,000 yard performance but he caught only 50.5% of the balls thrown his way. Unless the Bears pick up a true number one this offseason, which is unlikely, Knox enters 2011 atop the depth chart at WR.
2 – Mike Sims-Walker
Jerry Angelo may be interesting in signing this unrestricted free agent who is heading into his fourth season. He had a down season in 2010, but he has good size and has been a strong red zone threat, catching 14 TDs over the past two seasons.
I would rather have Sidney Rice, but Walker will come cheaper.
3 – Devin Hester
As a WR, Hester is the best return man in NFL history. In other words, despite the speed and moves, he is not, and probably never will be, a number one or even a number two in the league.
Expect that he will continue to get less balls in 2011. Hester was targeted 71 times in 2010, which represents a significant drop-off from 2008 and 2009.
4 – Earl Bennett
Bennett led the Bears in catch percentage, hauling in 69.6% of his targets during the regular season. A former teammate of Jay Cutler at Vanderbilt, Bennett will be back and if he stays healthy, should be a target of Cutler in 2011.
5 – Andy Fantuz
The Bears signed this guy from the CFL, and while he is a big target, I do not expect him to be active very much. He had worked out for five teams, who passed on him before signing with the Bears.
Tight End
3 of 12
Tight ends have never flourished in Mike Martz's system, as he expects them to block and anything else is not necessary. But Olsen survived despite the trade rumors, and he returns as the clear number one in 2011.
1 – Greg Olsen
Olsen was tied for the team lead with six receiving touchdowns, but his production was not as good as in 2009, which is not surprising. Some fantasy football metrics had Olsen as the third-best receiver on the Bears despite being targeted on just 16.2% of his pass routes.
2 – Brandon Manumaleuna
Manumaleuna was almost always used as a blocker, and did a decent job after a very slow and unproductive start. It's clear that his role is blocking and if he can stay in shape and block better than he did for much of 2010, he will be welcomed by Mike Martz.
3 – Kellen Davis
Davis did not contribute much in 2010, and unless Manumaleuna eats his way off the roster, Davis will be another forgotten man in 2011. On another team, in a different system, I'd like his chances. Not here.
.jpg?w=256 "Vikings Cowboys Football")
Offensive Tackle & Guard
4 of 12
It may be the understatement of the century, but the Bears absolutely must upgrade on the offensive line this offseason. They need to draft at least one tackle and should try and sign one of the free agents. Personally, I have no faith in Chris Williams, but I am predicting what the Bears will do, not saying what I want them to do, which is to let him go.
LT:
1 – Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
The Bears would rather have Nate Solder or Gabe Carimi, but both will be gone when the Bears draft at 29. Unless they trade down, they may take Sherrod and have him contribute immediately as the protector of Cutler's blind side.
2 – Frank Omiyale
Frank Omiyale lacks the power and athleticism to protect Cutler’s blind side. Too many times opposing defenders blasted Omiyale into the backfield at the snap of the ball. He could become a cap casualty.
RT:
1 – J'Marcus Webb
The Bears are high on Webb, a second-year tackle.
2 – Marcus Gilbert, Florida
If Gilbert is still on the board when the Bears draft in the 3rd round, they simply cannot afford to pass him up. He may go in the 2nd round, but if the Bears get him, he will eventually challenge for a starting job on the line.
LG:
1 – Robert Gallery (free agent)
Bears will shell out some bucks for a free agent guard or tackle, and if they draft a tackle, Gallery could be the guard they go for.
At 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, Gallery has the size offensive line coach Mike Tice covets.
2 – Lance Louis
Louis is really a RG, but he has to backup somewhere, assuming Garza stays.
RG:
1 – Chris Williams
Yes, unfortunately, Williams is also a lock to start in 2011, though one wonders how long they will stick with this probable bust of a first round draft choice. He's better as a guard than a left tackle, but he isn't really suited for the guard position either.
Still, the Bears seem committed to Williams for one more season.
2 – Roberto Garza
Garza was partly credited with the improved line play in the second half of last season, but in reality he's just an average player. But he is under a very cap-friendly contract for two more seasons.
Center
5 of 12
Although Olin Kretuz is a free agent, I expect that the Bears will sign him to be the starting center for at least one more year. But they desperately need to find his replacement.
1 – Olin Kreutz
Kreutz is not the player he once was, but he is a leader and still plays at least an average center.
2 – Lance Louis
Louis has been talked about as potentially being a player the Bears develop fat the center position. As it stands right now, he would be the emergency center if Kreutz is hurt.
3 – Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
The Bears will likely draft a center in the fourth or fifth round, or sign one as an undrafted free agent. Centers don't normally get drafted in the early rounds, so there is a chance Wisniewski is still on the board in the fourth round.
He won't start right away, and may not even suit up initially, but he will be a great development candidate and someone who might eventually assume the reigns from Olin.
Quarterback
6 of 12
1 – Jay Cutler
In Cutler’s second season as the Bears’ starting quarterback, and first with Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, the Vanderbilt graduate completed 60.4% of his passes for 3,294 yards, but threw more interceptions (16) than games played (15) during the regular season for the second consecutive year. Cutler is known for his strong throwing arm, but he actually attempted a higher percentage of his passes behind the line of scrimmage (11%) than any other quarterback in the league.
2 – Caleb Hanie
Hanie’s playoff performance against the Green Bay Packers brought the Bears within one possession of tying the eventual Superbowl Champions, but he attempted just seven passes during the regular season as the third-string quarterback behind Cutler and the now-departed Todd Collins.
3 – T.J. Yates, North Carolina
There is a chance the Bears draft a developmental QB in the fifth or sixth round, and Brad Biggs writes that they have run Yates through a private workout. TCU's Andy Dalton is another possibility here.
Last year's attempt didn't work out well for the Bears, as Dan Lefevour lasted a whole four months. Perhaps it may make more sense to sign a veteran like Jeff Garcia and continue Hanie's development.
Cornerback
7 of 12
Look, the Packers will have Aaron Rodgers throwing the football at Chicago for years, so the need for a lockdown corner is critical. Tillman is the best the Bears have for now, but they could use a free agent or a draftee to come in this offseason.
Nnamdi Asomugha, however, is probably not coming. But he would be a brilliant acquisition, especially in Lovie's cover-2 scheme.
Corey Graham, who is a special teams warrior, is not likely to play at corner next season even if he does return.
1 – Charles Tillman
"Peanut" is a consummate professional, and had a solid season in 2010, but will he stay healthy for a full season again? If he does, he should have another two or three more solid years ahead.
2 – Tim Jennings
Unless the Bears sign a tough, physical corner, Jennings will return as the number two corner for the Bears. While I think it would be worth it, the Bears need so much help on the offensive line that they may not spend the money to go the free agent route.
So that leaves Jennings who may not have the size to be a consistent performer. He was average at best last year, so Moore could overtake him at the number two spot.
3 – D.J. Moore
Moore was a nickleback last year, but he shows promise as a potential number two after a solid season. Like Jennings, he may not have the size to be an every-down corner, however.
4 – Zack Bowman
Ugh.
5 – Joshua Moore
Some potential there.
Defensive End
8 of 12
The draft is deep in quality rush ends, so it would not be surprising to see Angelo draft one.
1 – Julius Peppers
Peppers did not have the gaudy sack totals, but he was good for the Bears last season, even if he did sometimes disappear for stretches. But he needs help, and unless the Bears find a diamond in the rough, that help may need to come from the tackle position.
2 – Israel Idonije
Idonije had flashes of brilliance but was not consistent. Still, he will start in 2011 if he is healthy.
3 – Corey Wootton
Wootton was taken in the fourth round last spring. Do the Bears like him enough to stop them from drafting a DE?
Defensive Tackle
9 of 12
The Bears need to find a game changing, three-technique defensive tackle to replace Tommie Harris. I believe they will draft one in the first or second round.
Meanwhile, Anthony Adams is an unrestricted free agent and they may opt not to bring him back.
1 – Stephen Paea, Oregon State
The Bears will draft a DT, and if it's in the second round, it could be Paea, who I actually like better than Phil Taylor of Baylor, though Taylor is rated slightly higher.
A former rugby player in New Zealand, Paea is very strong. He broke the combine record for reps on the bench press, lifting 225 pounds 49 times. Chicago will love this guy, he's a warrior.
2 – Matt Toeaina
Toeaina signed an extension during the season and the Bears like him at nose tackle.
3 – Henry Melton
Melton turned in a solid second season for the Bears and figures to see more playing time next year.
4 – Marcus Harrison
He is a major question mark for 2011. He was inactive 13 times in 2010.
Linebacker
10 of 12
Angelo might have to draft a linebacker, despite his claims the rookie crop is below average, for use on special teams if nothing else. The loss of free agent Corey Graham will hurt the special teams play.
The Bears currently have only two players under contract at the linebacker position. I'm predicting that at least one of the unrestricted free agent trio of Pisa Tinoisamoa, Nick Roach or Brian Iwuh will return.
1 – Brian Urlacher
Urlacher came back from injury and had a great season. He is getting long in the tooth, but expect another solid year from him if healthy.
2 – Lance Briggs
Briggs is the Robin to Urlacher's Batman, but not by much.
3 – Nick Roach
Roach could be either a restricted or unrestricted free agent, depending on how the new CBA ends up. If he's unrestricted he may not return.
4 – Brian Iwuh
Iwuh is an unrestricted free agent but he's hardly a household name and again, Lovie likes him.
5 – Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut
Wilson is not a top prospect, but if the Bears draft a linebacker at all, they will likely wait until the fifth or sixth rounds, and all the good ones will be gone.
But Wilson could contribute on special teams while he develops. He is good against the run, with above average closing speed in pursuit and is a solid wrap-up tackler.
Safety
11 of 12
The safety position was suppsoed to be a nightmare for the Bears prior to last season, but the unit ended up playing pretty well. Chris Harris is an unrestricted free agent, but I see him returning.
1 – Danieal Manning
This is an interesting situation. Manning is technically a restricted free agent, but depending on the new CBA, he could be made unrestricted.
But he is currently a member of the largest restricted free-agent class in league history, which would limit his chocies on the open market. Having turned down the extension offer, however, it is no certainty that he comes back.
I'll predict that he does come back.
2 – Chris Harris
Harris played well for the Bears. I hope they re-sign him, if nothing else he is one of the more Twitter-friendly Bears around.
3 – Major Wright
Wright struggled with injuries and inconsistent play last season but I still believe in his potential.
4 – Josh Bullocks
Bullocks is also a free agent, but I doubt anyone sweeps him off his feet.
Special Teams
12 of 12
Dave Toub's unit consistently performs in the top tier of the NFL. While it seems that the unit plays well no matter who leaves, the likely loss of Corey Graham will hurt a bit.
Punt & Kick Return
1 – Devin Hester
Who else? Hester returned to glory last season and now holds the NFL record for most all-time kick and punt return touchdowns.
2 – Danieal Manning
If Manning becomes an unrestricted free agent, he could leave. But if he's here, he should continue performing as one of the top kick returners in the game.
Despite the new rules, and, in fact, perhaps because of the new rules, Manning is critical to the return game for the Bears.
3 – Johnny Knox
Knox shows flashes of brilliance as a kick returner with his great speed.
Kicker
1 – Robbie Gould
Gould is cemented as the Bears kicker. There is no number two on this squad.
Punter
1 – Richmond McGee
Surprised not to see Brad Maynard's name here? Well, by most accounts, he will be allowed to leave as a free agent, which is surprising to me.
Maynard didn't have his best year in 2010, but then again, his results could never be measured by his average punting yards. His claim to fame is pinning the other team inside its 20 yard line, something he does very well. He is second-best all time with 407 punts inside the 20 in 14 seasons.
But the Bears do not appear interested in re-signing the unrestricted, 37 year old free agent, so they signed the 27 year old McGee to a two-year contract.
Who is McGee? He came into the league as an undrafted free agent with Philadelphia in 2008 and spent parts of last season on the Bears practice squad.
Longsnapper
1 – Patrick Mannelly
There is only one. www.longsnapper.com
.jpg?w=480 "Vikings Cowboys Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Texans Chargers Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Pickens Gauged Trade Market")
.jpg?w=600 "A.J.-Eagles Relationship 'Cordial'")
.jpg?w=600 "Mendoza Ripped by CFB Coach")
.png?w=600 "2027 NFL Mock Draft 🔮")