Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster Projection 3.0: Who makes the cut?

Outside Linebackers

Starters: Sam Acho, Leonard Floyd

This is where it gets dicey. Right now, Acho will likely open the season as the starter. He’s a veteran and has done everything right throughout camp. On the other side, as long as Floyd stays healthy, he should lead the Bears in sacks this year.

Backups: Aaron Lynch, Kylie Fitts, Isaiah Irving, Kasim Edebali

It might be odd-looking, but I think the Bears should keep six outside linebackers — at least to open the season. With so many question marks, including the health of Lynch as well as Fitts’ injury history, it could pay off. Both Irving and Edebali have flashed multiple times this preseason and would be worth stashing, especially for special teams value.

Inside Linebackers

Starters: Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan

Yes, by Week 1, Smith should be the starter. If this team is in the business of winning football games, he will be out there with the starting defense. Trevathan isn’t even a question as long as he’s healthy.

Backups: Nick Kwiatkoski, Joel Iyiegbuniwe

Kwiatkoski has done a phenomenal job filling in as a starter and would likely assume that role on several other teams out there. Iyiegbuniwe, the rookie fourth-rounder, showed his quickness against Denver and covered a lot of ground in his debut. Both should provide excellent depth inside.