Chicago Bears: Way too early 53-man roster projection

Five roster spots: Justin Jones, Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, and Travis Bell

Jones was signed last year to play the three-technique defensive tackle spot. That is the engine of head coach Matt Eberflus’ defense. He was not exactly a game-wrecker, but he was solid.

Billings signed this offseason to play the opposite tackle spot. He is a massive human being who should upgrade the run defense.

Poles passed on drafting Jalen Carter, the best three-technique tackle in the NFL Draft. He instead invested a second-round and third-round pick in hoping Dexter Sr. or Pickens will become a force at three-technique.

Poles also drafted Travis Bell in the seventh round. Being a draft pick gives him a shot to make the roster, although he could end up on the practice squad. The Chicago Bears could elect to go with Jalyn Holmes or Andrew Brown for the fifth tackle spot as they have some NFL experience.

Although, the Bears have the option to carry four defensive tackles since DeMarcus Walker can kick inside from time to time.

Four roster spots: DeMarcus Walker, Trevis Gipson, Rasheem Green, and Dominique Robinson

The Chicago Bears failed to generate much of a pass rush last season with the front four. Jaquan Brisker led the team in sacks with four and he played safety.

Gipson regressed last season and came up with three sacks. Robinson showed immense potential in Week 1 and then never sacked the quarterback the rest of the season.

Walker had seven sacks last season and Green had three-and-half sacks for Houston. Their combined sack totals from last year are four more than the six-and-half sacks the Bears got in total from the edge-rushing rotation.

It would not be surprising to see the Chicago Bears add a veteran like Yannick Ngakoue, Frank Clark, or Justin Houston before training camp and then carry five edge rushers.