2018 Chicago Bears 53-man roster prediction version 1.0

Tight Ends

Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen

Trey Burton was brought in as one of the prized free agents of the offseason and will definitely get his fair share of targets. Burton can run routes like a receiver and will also likely line up in the back field at times, playing that Travis Kelce role in this offense. Adam Shaheen will probably be more of a red zone or goal line type of weapon, although I hope he pans out to be more than that.

Dion Sims and Daniel Brown

For some reason, the Bears decided not to cut Dion Sims. He will offer the team a decent third tight end, and I think he will see the field occasionally because Nagy can get real creative with his personnel. Do the Bears run a three tight end formation at times in 2018? It doesn’t sound attractive, but they just might. I also have Daniel Brown making the roster as another pass-catching tight end.

Offensive Line — Starters

Charles Leno

The Bears’ starting left tackle returns after a relatively successful 2017 campaign. Charles Leno was a guy the team believed in enough to give a four year extension prior to last season, and he did not disappoint last year.

James Daniels

Some thought he would slide in at center, but James Daniels will start at guard. The rookie out of Iowa is exactly what the Bears needed up front.

Cody Whitehair

With Daniels at guard, Cody Whitehair stays at center. The nice thing about both Daniels and Whitehair is that they are versatile. They can play either guard or center, so injuries won’t be the absolute worst-case scenario.

Kyle Long

Finally healthy and feeling the best he’s felt in years, Kyle Long says he is back and ready to rock. The leader of this group needs to be on the field, so hopefully his health holds up.

Bobby Massie

Returning for another year at the starting right tackle position is Bobby Massie.

Offensive Line — Backups

Jordan Morgan, Bradley Sowell, Eric Kush and Earl Watford

Versatility is going to be the strength of the Bears’ offensive line this year. Having multiple guys who can play more than one position up front will benefit them from the get-go. Hopefully, injuries don’t force any of these guys into a starting role, but the Bears are in a better spot here than they were a year ago.