Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster Projection: Post-training camp edition

Special Teams

Kicker: Cody Parkey

The Bears addressed a sore spot this offseason when they waved goodbye to Connor Barth for good. Hopefully, Parkey can make us all forget about the mediocrity that was Barth at Soldier Field. Since the good old Robbie Gould days, the Bears haven’t had stability at one of the most crucial and overlooked positions in football. Especially at a stadium like Soldier Field, the Bears will need to depend on Parkey to do much more than Barth ever did.

Punter: Pat O’Donnell

At this point, O’Donnell was probably the Bears’ best option. Outside of bringing in Marquette King, I don’t see any other surefire solution at the punter spot. King was also released by the Oakland Raiders after O’Donnell was re-signed. It’s not that O’Donnell is a terrible punter, he has just been highly inconsistent. Hopefully, that changes this year.

Long Snapper: Patrick Scales

It’s not a glamorous position, but Scales makes it look easy. The most glanced-over position in football, Scales holds some of the game’s most crucial moments in his hands — and he delivers.

Looking Ahead

The Bears have three more preseason games before they’re ready to square off with a bitter foe, the Green Bay Packers. It seems like forever, but that’s only because the Bears were fortunate to have a fifth exhibition game to start the preseason. Look for our final projection come preseason’s end. For now, let’s enjoy these last three dress rehearsals before the real thing.