Bears 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

Defensive Line (9): Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, Sr., DeMarcus Walker, Zacch Pickens, Austin Booker, Dominique Robinson, Byron Cowart, Keith Randolph, Jr., Jake Martin

Trading for Montez Sweat was one of the wiser moves made by Ryan Poles. Chicago addressed the secondary and linebacker corps in free agency and the draft over the past couple of seasons but everyone’s job is easier when there’s a premier pass rusher. Sweat provides that as he forces the ball out of the quarterback’s hand in a hurry.

Having said that, they need more than just Sweat. Perhaps they’ll re-sign Yannick Ngakoue when he’s fully healthy but outside of their one true pass-rusher, no one strikes fear into the opposing team.

The Bears do have hope that Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens develop into weapons on the interior. If they don’t see much improvement though, they might want to keep an eye on the waiver wires.

Linebacker (5): T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Micah Baskerville 

T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds were each a part of the big 2023 free agency splurge for Chicago and enter this year as the top linebackers once again. Edwards, who started in Philly, had 155 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three picks. Edmunds added 113 tackles and four interceptions while also taking one pick back for a touchdown.

Jack Sanborn is a throwback linebacker as is Noah Sewell. Sanborn has had at least 60 tackles in each of his first two seasons and while Sewell didn't see the field much as a rookie, there's hope he can turn into an early-down run-stuffer. The final spot goes to Micah Baskerville but he's firmly on the bubble.