We’re running through a pre-training camp roundtable addressing some topics about the Bears.
The Chicago Bears are off for a few weeks, so we wanted to take stock of the team by running through a roundtable series.
Yesterday, we gave the position group that we think is the strongest, so today is the position we’re most concerned with.
Here’s what we had to say.
Ryan Droste: Running back. I was convinced the Bears would take a back in the first couple rounds of the draft this year, but the board didn’t fall to them in a way that made that happen. Hopefully, Ben Johnson will be able to rejuvenate D’Andre Swift, and we need Roschon Johnson or Kyle Monangai to make an early impact. That’s asking a lot of Monangai in his rookie year as a late-round pick. Roschon has been good in short-yardage situations, but we haven’t seen a lot more than that. This year, he’s probably going to be the featured third down running back as he blocks better than Swift and Monangai.
TJ Starman: Until we see some positivity on the field, I’m going to be concerned about the EDGE position. Last year’s production was extremely underwhelming, and so far, the only changes have been the hiring of Dennis Allen as Defensive Coordinator and the signing of Dayo Odeyingbo. What’s more concerning about that is that apparently Odeyingbo wasn’t even getting the starter’s reps in minicamp, instead yielding to Dominique Robinson. Dom Rob being productive out of nowhere would be a nice surprise, but that seems unlikely, so it doesn’t spark a ton of confidence for me at this point in time.
Jeff Berckes: The Bears are still one defensive lineman short of a full rotation, but for me, it’s running back. Swift can be a nift-y RB2 and RoJo a nice utility RB3, but they’re lacking a true RB1. They’ll try to keep the room together with bubble gum and duct tape this year, with major renovations coming in 2026.
Johnathan Wood: Defensive end. The running back room isn’t great, but you can get by with what they have. Their starting DEs are fine, but they have absolutely zero depth at a position that usually plays three guys heavy snaps. Right now, the 3rd DE is presumably Austin Booker, who did not look anywhere near ready for that role last year. I sincerely hope they add a competent vet there before camp.
Gary Baugher Jr.: Running back, I might be in a vocal minority of actually liking D’Andre Swift, who put up near 1,400 all purpose yards (good for 19th in the league) while behind one of the least consistent offensive lines/schemes says something, but Roshon Johnson does not move the needle one bit for me. He hasn’t done much in pass pro and has shown very little outside of being a decently reliable short-yardage guy. And as much of a fan of Kyle Monangai as I am, expecting a 7th-round pick to make an impact is asking a lot — even if the college tape is very fun to watch!
Dr. Mason West: Unfortunately, I am most concerned about Edge. Again. The Bears added Dayo in free agency, but you are banking on a big jump for a guy who has already been in the league for a bit. You are also banking on Austin Booker to be a contributor. Additions on the interior should help, but only so much.
Bryan Orenchuk: This may be my trauma talking, but until I see them play together and stay healthy, I’m most concerned about the OL. The Left Tackle spot worries me most with Braxton Jones returning from injury and a rookie competing with a 2nd year player for starter snaps to start the year, but the best OL are marked by consistency and unity. With 4 likely brand new starters to begin the season and so much riding on the OL to make the entire offense run, this is my main concern.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: There are eight defensive ends on the roster (including two UDFAs), and the entire group had 10 sacks in 2024. Montez Sweat needs to bounce back, and they’re counting on Dayo Odeyingbo to be better than last year’s three sack season. Right now, Austin Booker is expected to be a viable DE3.
Now it’s your turn. Which Bears position group are you concerned with?