Chicago Bears: Way too early 53-man roster projection

Eight roster spots: Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Larry Borom, Lucas Patrick, and Ja’Tyre Carter

Jones played every snap at left tackle last season. He flashed the potential that he can be a 10-year starter. He also got overpowered by a bull rush–the simplest pass-rush move there is. The Chicago Bears are counting on him getting stronger to handle the bull rush.

Teven Jenkins was the team’s best offensive lineman last year. He is moving from right guard to left guard.

Cody Whitehair is moving back to center where he made a Pro Bowl. The hope is he provides much-needed strength to stop A-gap pressure that last season’s starter Sam Mustipher had issues with.

Davis comes over after a successful tenure with the Tennessee Titans to upgrade the talent on the line. Wright was one of the best offensive tackles prospects in the draft.

Borom was benched after he struggled as the starting right tackle. Hopefully, Poles brings in a veteran to back up Wright or Jones, but if he does not, Borom probably has the edge over Kellen Diesch and Alex Leatherwood. Diesch has smaller arms than Borom. Leatherwood was benched pretty fast last season after it was clear he was not better than Borom.

Patrick was supposed to be the starting center last season, but injuries changed that plan. He should get the nod because of his ability to play both center and guard. He could be cut and the Chicago Bears would save $3.5 million in salary cap space.

Last year’s sixth-round pick Doug Kramer is a cheaper backup center option. He missed all last season with a foot injury, so putting him on the practice squad might be a better idea for his development. Dieter Eiselen is another option to take Patrick’s spot on the roster since he can play guard and center with a smaller salary cap number.

With Davis not taking part, Carter has taken the first-team snaps at right guard in the OTAs. He was on the roster last season, but only played against Minnesota in the last game of the season. Carter also played tackle in college so he could swing out to that position in a pinch.