Projecting the Chicago Bears 53-man roster before preseason game 2
By Todd Welter
The Chicago Bears need more from their offense in general in 2023.
3 roster spots: Cole Kmet, Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis
Kmet got a contract extension before training camp started after he caught 50 passes and seven touchdowns last season. Tonyan was signed to a one-year deal to give Fields another pass-catching option.
Lewis was signed during training camp. The 17-year veteran is back in the NFL to help another team’s blocking scheme. Lewis is still one of the best blocking tight ends in the game. He can hold up against most edge rushers. That allows the left or right tackle to help the guards.
Also, he can provide a nice assist to rookie Darnell Wright and second-year player Braxton Jones.
Stephen Carlson could also make the team, but he might be a better practice squad candidate.
9 roster spots: Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Larry Borom, Ja’Tyre Carter, Alex Leatherwood, Doug Kramer.
The line had a solid game, especially blocking on Moore’s and Herbert’s runs to the endzone (although both could have been flagged for illegal man downfield). Nate Davis has barely practiced with an undisclosed injury.
Although, he is notorious for not liking practice, so maybe he is being a veteran overplaying some soreness.
Interesting press conference with Nate Davis, who acknowledged missing practice has been "a little tough" on him, but declined to go into any detail.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 14, 2023
"Respectfully, I just want to move forward. I'm back now. That's all that really matters."
Ja’Tyre Carter had a good game with Davis and Lucas Patrick out of the lineup. Last year’s seventh-round pick showed some starter potential. If he keeps this up, he might deem Patrick expendable.
Ja'Tyre Carter had a VERY nice game.
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) August 14, 2023
The 2022 7th rounder showed athleticism inside.
He was the HIGHEST graded Bears player (per PFF) in the titans game w a 94 overall grade in 39 snaps of work. If Carter keeps this up he could beat out Lucas Patrick in a reserve role. #Bears
Doug Kramer saw his first action since missing all last season with a foot injury. He also looked solid enough to push Patrick off the roster. Plus, the Chicago Bears can save $1.48 million in cap space if they cut Patrick.
Wright played well in his first unofficial NFL game. He was pancaking defensive lineman all over the place. It was nice to see the offensive line play well after last season’s weekly brutal showings.
#DaBears After the First Preseason Should Feel Good about How The OLine Performed.
— The Irish Bears Show (@IrishBearsShow) August 13, 2023
Both Braxton Jones & Darnell Wright at the OT looked really good.
Teven Jenkins was pushing the Line Forward.
Ja’Tyre Carter for his Camp Struggles played really well. Leatherwood was a plus.
If the offensive line can even be average, the Chicago Bears offense has a chance to put up a lot of points.
Larry Borom makes the team as the swing tackle. Since training camp has seen Davis and Teven Jenkins miss some time, Alex Leatherwood’s struggling NFL career continues as a depth piece.