Chicago Bears: Projecting the Team's 2011 Depth Chart
As I wrote the last time I attempted this, trying to determine the Bears' roster at this point is always a challenge. But given the lockout, it's downright insane.
Nevertheless, it is a challenge that I am up for, Bears fans. Now, admittedly, there have to be some assumptions made in order for this not to become an exercise in futility.
For one, there will be a season. And I do believe that, although how much of a season is a fair question. Also, whether there will be a training camp and pre-season is very much in flux at this point.
Why does this matter? For two reasons.
First, it gives coaches less time to figure out which draft picks and new players are worth keeping; and two, it may give much less time to sort through potential free agents.
Which brings us to our second assumption: that there will be free agency and that the Bears will be active participants.
Yes, despite the solid first and second round draft picks, the Bears have unfulfilled needs which must be addressed with free agent signings.
Recognizing all that, here we go.
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Quarterbacks
1 of 10
1 — Jay Cutler
In Cutler's first season under Mike Martz, he completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,294 yards, and reduced the number of interceptions from 23 to 16, though that is still more picks than games played.
Cutler's season ended in memorable fashion as he was forced out of the NFC Championship game against the Packers with an injury. When backup Caleb Hanie did well given the circumstances, some suggested another QB controversy was brewing.
But make no mistake — Cutler is the Bears QB and likely will be, health permitting, for a long time.
2 — Caleb Hanie
Hanie attempted just seven passes during the regular season as the third-string quarterback behind Cutler and the awful Todd Collins. But he performed admirably in the NFC Championship game and that performance likely solidified his return to the team as the No. 2 QB.
"I am comfortable [with Hanie as the No. 2] and obviously the coaches are, so I think that's probably how they go into it," Ruskell said. (source: ESPNChicago.com)
We agree Tim.
3 — Nathan Enderle
Enderle was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round (no. 160 overall) to be a developmental QB. The most he should do in 2011 is hold a clipboard.
I doubt the Bears place Enderle on the practice squad after what happened last year, when sixth round draft pick Dan LeFevour was plucked off waivers by Cincinnati.
Meanwhile, Enderle has a strong arm but very limited mobility.
Halfback
2 of 10
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, averaging 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.
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
3 of 10
1 — Johnny Knox
Knox would not be a No. 1 on many teams, but since the Bears lack a true No. 1 it is Knox by default.
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 percent of the balls thrown his way.
2 — James Jones (free agent)
Jones put up some impressive numbers down the stretch for the Packers. And don't you think the Bears wouldn't love to steal him away from their arch rivals?
By signing Jones, the Bears strengthen themselves while weakening their chief opponent. Jones has struggled with drops but has shown flashes of big play potential.
Another possibility here is veteran Braylon Edwards, whom the Bears have liked in the past. A vet might make more sense for a Bears team loaded with inexperienced young wideouts.
But the chance to take Jones from their enemy is just too good to pass up.
3 — Devin Hester
Hester had a bad season as a receiver in 2010. He may easily be supplanted by Bennett as the No. 3.
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 Fantuz from the CFL, so it's difficult to project whether or not the great numbers he put up for the Roughriders will translate to the NFL.
But he's 6'4" and 220 pounds, so he's worth a look. Keep in mind, however, Fantuz had worked out for five teams, who passed on him before signing with the Bears.
6 — Onrea Jones
Jones was picked up off waivers from the Cardinals, where he didn't impress.
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Tight End
4 of 10
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.
Offensive Line
5 of 10
Left Tackle
1 — J'Marcus Webb
The Bears are high on Webb, a second-year tackle. While I don't know if he can do a good job of protecting Cutler's blind side, I do expect that Gabe Carimi is ultimately a right tackle, and Webb has to play somewhere.
So, unless they sign a free agent, Webb is the best bet to get the job, although they may start Carimi out on the left side to see if he can make it there.
2 — Frank Omiyale
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.
Right Tackle
1 — Gabe Carimi
The Bears selected Carimi with the 29th pick, and his footwork and balance suggests he's better suited for the right side, although he did play left tackle in Wisconsin.
But I love this guy. His upper body is strong and he plays with an edge. He's a much better run blocker than pass protector.
Left Guard
1 — Chris Williams
Yes, being a number one draft pick means you get every benefit of the doubt. Williams sure resembles a bust to me, and I don't mean a statue, although he plays like one at times.
He has flopped at right tackle, left tackle, and left guard. Maybe they'll try him parking cars.
2 — Edwin Williams
Williams is primarily a center but he can also play guard. He was picked up off waivers from Washington and spent the majority of 2010 on the practice squad.
Right Guard
1 — 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.
2 — Lance Louis
The Bears coaches talked him up in training camp, then he went out and played terribly in the first three games of 2010 and then got hurt in game four after getting burned by the Giants.
Center
1 — Olin Kreutz
Kreutz is not the player he once was, but he is a leader and still plays at least an average center. I expect the Bears to bring him back on a one-year deal.
2 — Edwin Williams
Some say that Louis could be groomed as an eventual successor to Kreutz. He was promoted from the practice squad late in the season after they released Johan Asiata and saw limited action in the final three games. Can play guard or center.
Cornerbacks
6 of 10
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
Jennings could start at left corner in 2011. He may not have the size to be a consistent performer, but he is feisty and the Bears seem to like that, though he played very average in my opinion.
3 — DJ Moore
The Bears signed Moore to a four-year contract and expect him to share time with Tillman at right corner.
4 — Zackary Bowman
If healthy, Bowman could make the team at left corner, though I have no faith in him and wish the Bears had drafted a corner.
5 — Joshua Moore
No chance at a starting job this year but may provide depth.
Safeties
7 of 10
1 — Danieal Manning
If Manning becomes an unrestricted FA, he's gone. A lot depends on the new CBA for fourth and fifth year players. If restricted, he will be back.
If he comes back, he will start first on the depth chart at strong safety but the Bears are hoping that Major Wright ends up starting there.
2 — Chris Harris
Harris is the starting free safety if he is re-signed.
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 was injured and inconsistent last season. Although the Bears want him to start, and he will if Manning doesn't return, I question his durability, though the potential is obviously there.
4 — Chris Conte
Conte was drafted by the Bears in the third round. The vast majority of games he started in college were at safety, though he spent the majority of time as a reserve corner.
The Bears hope he will be a gunner on special teams in 2011.
Defensive Line
8 of 10
Defensive End
1 — Julius Peppers
Who else? The big man had a down year statistically but Bears fans who watched every game know he was a force until later in the season when he tended to disappear at times.
2 — Israel Idonije
Idonije had flashes of brilliance but was not consistent. Still, he will start opposite Peppers in 2011 if he is healthy.
3 — Corey Wootton
Wootton showed flashes last season in the very limited opportunity he had. I like the kid and he will play in 2011 if healthy.
4 — Nick Reed
Reed is an undersized pass-rush specialist released by the Seahawks before the start of the 2010 season. He signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Bears.
Defensive Tackle
1 — Stephen Paea
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. He's a warrior who is not great at rushing the passer but has the power to eventually get some push.
2 — Matt Toeaina
Toeaina signed an extension during the season and the Bears like him at nose tackle.
3 — Henry Melton
The Bears continue to say they're high on Melton, but don't expect him to do much if he makes the team at all in 2011.
4 — Marcus Harrison
He is a major question mark for 2011. He was inactive 13 times in 2010.
5 — Tank Tyler
Tyler signed a Reserves/Future contract with the Bears.
Linebackers
9 of 10
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 Lovie likes him.
5 — J.T. Thomas
Bears selected West Virginia LB J.T. Thomas with the No. 195 overall pick in the draft.
He projects as a backup to Lance Briggs on the weak side while also pitching in on special teams
Special Teams
10 of 10
Kicker
1 — Robbie Gould
Gould is cemented as the Bears kicker. There is no number two on this squad.
Punter
1 — Brad Maynard
By most accounts, he will be allowed to leave as a free agent. But I don't believe it.
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.
2 – Richmond McGee
McGee is a 27 year old insurance policy in case Maynard doesn't come back. He has never kicked in a regular season game.
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.
I believe that is where he will return.
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 will probably 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.
The coverage team will miss Corey Graham, who will be allowed to leave via free agency. They hope newbies Conte and Thomas help pick up the slack. But with Dave Toub as coach, you know this unit will be solid.
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