With camp underway, we’re breaking down every position group on the Chicago Bears.
The more I look over the Chicago Bears roster, the more comfortable I get with the defensive tackle depth. There’s some projection, sure, but if things play out and guys stay healthy, this is going to be a pretty solid group.
Roster Locks
Andrew Billings is coming back from a torn pec, but when he’s healthy, he’s as stout as they come in the middle of a defense.
Gervon Dexter Sr. made big strides in his second season, as his numbers significantly increased. His impact was greater before Billings went down with four of his five sacks, three of his four tackles for loss, and 12 of his 19 QB hits coming in the first eight weeks.
“Just from afar, having called plays against him, he’s a guy that really came on last year,” head coach Ben Johnson said about Dexter via Marquee. “You could see it on the tape. There was growth. There was more production, particularly in the pass rush game.”
With Billings back and newcomer Grady Jarrett added to the rotation, Dexter should have more one-on-one opportunities.
Jarrett isn’t the player he was, but he still plays with a high motor, and if the Bears can keep him fresh, he could be in for a surprising season.
Rookie second-round pick Shemar Turner is another high-motor guy who has a quick first step and a savvy toolbox of pass rush moves.
A Good Bet to Make it
The Bears gave Chris Williams a $3.263 million RFA tender, so this coaching staff must be confident in his ability. If they carry five at the position, he’s a shoo-in to stick.
On the Bubble
Some Bears fans have nose tackle Jonathan Ford as a lock after his 77 snaps last season, but I think he’s destined for the practice squad.
The Zacch Pickens experience should be winding down.