Chicago Bears: Way too early 53-man roster projection

Six roster spots: T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Sterling Weatherford, and Dylan Cole

Edwards and Edmunds were the big free-agent signings this offseason. Edmunds will play the middle linebacker spot. He has similar traits to legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. Although, do not expect him to cover ground as fast as Urlacher did. His speed and size are very similar to Urlacher.

While Edmunds frustrated Buffalo Bills fans, he could have success in the Bears’ defensive scheme as he will be asked to do things that fit his skill set better.

Edwards will play the weakside linebacker spot. It will be interesting to see if he can be effective at an important position in Eberflus’ defense. The good thing is both linebackers have the versatility to switch spots.

Sanborn went from undrafted free agent to starting middle linebacker last season after Roquan Smith was traded. Sanborn will kick over to strong-side linebacker in the rare times it is used. He also provides valuable depth and plays special teams.

Sewell was a surprise selection in the fifth round. One reason for that is he was expected to go earlier in the draft. The other reason was that the Chicago Bears had depth at this position group. He provides additional depth and has some pass-rushing ability.

Weatherford and Cole make the team based on their ability to play on special teams.

Six roster spots: Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, and Jaylon Jones

This position group is probably the team’s strongest. Johnson has become one of the best lockdown corners in the game.

Although, a possible training camp hold-in could be in the cards as Johnson is seeking a new contract. He has missed the first couple of voluntary OTAs. Johnson did say it was only because he was attending to personal matters and wanting to spend time with his daughter.

Gordon improved during his rookie season. Stevenson was added in the second round to give the cornerback group another big, physical corner to the group.

His presence on the roster means Gordon will play the slot corner full-time. Smith was taken in the fifth round and should bump veteran Kindle Vildor off the roster.

The only way Vildor keeps a roster spot is if the Bears decide to go with seven corners or he has an impressive training camp and gets some takeaways in preseason games..

Blackwell and Jones provide depth and contribute on special teams.

Five roster spots: Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker, Elijah Hicks, Adrian Colbert, and A.J. Thomas

Brisker was a force during his rookie season. His presence allowed Jackson to move back to free safety and it allowed him to go back to being the ball-hawking playmaker we saw in his first two seasons.

Jackson is coming off a season-ending foot injury, but he should be back to 100% by the time the season starts.

Hicks was a seventh-round pick last season who showed he can help on special teams. Colbert and Thomas also make the team because of their ability to contribute to special teams.

They need to replace special teams’ standout and safety depth specialist DeAndre Houston-Carson. He still has not been re-signed, so the Chicago Bears need to hope Hicks, Colbert, or Thomas can fill his role just as well as the DHC.

This year’s seventh-round pick, Kendall Williamson, could also push for a roster spot based on if he can show he can contribute to special teams in the preseason. Otherwise, he is a perfect practice squad candidate.

Three roster spots: Cairo Santos, Trenton Gill, and Patrick Scales

Santos had some struggles last season kicking extra points, but he made 21 of his 23 on his three-point field goals. He will be pushed by undrafted free agent Andre Szmyt in training camp.

Gill was outstanding punting the ball in his first season. Scales is back again at long snapper where he has been one of most consistent players at that position.