Projecting the Bears final 53-man roster after the preseason

The Chicago Bears must have a significantly better defense in 2023.

9 roster spots: Yannick Ngakoue, Andrew Billings, Justin Jones, DeMarcus Walker, Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, Dominique Robinson, Terrell Lewis, Rasheem Green

1 practice squad spot: Travis Bell

It turns out Trevis Gipson lost the position battle for the final edge rusher spot. Maybe, Gipson realized he is not cut out for a 4-3 front. Either way, he has been granted permission to seek a trade.

Terrell Lewis had a great preseason, and the Chicago Bears still need as many edge rushers as possible so that is why veteran Rasheem Green makes the team.

The Bears will probably go with a four-man rotation at defensive tackle with Billings, Jones, Pickens, and Dexter Sr.

They will let rookie Travis Bell develop on the practice squad as he flashed some potential in the preseason.

6 roster spots: Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Jack Sanborn (will be starting strong-side linebacker in rare times Bears play base defense), Noah Sewell, Mykal Walker, Micah Baskerville

This position group could change depending on the severity of Noah Sewell’s injury being a season-ending one, then Dylan Cole could make the active roster.

Cole was hampered by an injury during camp but is a seasoned veteran who contributes well on special teams.

6 roster spots: Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terrell Smith, Jaylon Jones, Michael Ojemudia

2 practice squad spots: Josh Blackwell, and Greg Stroman Jr.

Rookie Tyrique Stevenson had a couple of penalties against Buffalo but also had an interception. Be prepared for moments of brilliance followed by rookie mistakes with him. It was like Kyler Gordon’s first season last year.

The final corner spot continues to be one of those decisions where the team cannot go wrong with whomever they pick.

Ojemudia has been impressive in pass coverage but that final spot needs to have someone who can also contribute on special teams. Blackwell and Stroman Jr. are better in that area so they might get the nod ahead of Ojemudia.

4 roster spots: Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker, Elijah Hicks, A.J. Thomas

1 practice squad spot: Kendall Williamson

This group was decided the moment Adrian Colbert was waived. The Bears will go with these four and this year’s seventh-round pick Kendall Williamson will get a chance to hone his craft on the practice squad.

3 roster spots: Trenton Gill, Cairo Santos, Patrick Scales

This group was set in stone at the beginning of camp. Gill is back for his second season to punt. Santos is the kicker again. Scales will long snap.