Most of the guys battling at the bottom of the roster either played for the Bears or another team in recent seasons. They have talent and have stuck in the league for a reason. Outside of the specialists, however, none are ideal starters.
59. Jonathan Anderson, LB
It’s kind of weird that the team lists Anderson as an outside linebacker. Was a college safety who has played inside up to this point in his career. Solid special teamer.
58. Marlon Brown, WR
The Bears love their Georgia guys. Brown is 6’4” — listed at 6’5” for some reason — but hasn’t been able to find a job in the NFL. He caught 49 passes as a rookie with the Ravens in 2013, but hasn’t caught a pass since 2015.
57. Cre’von LeBlanc, CB
LeBlanc can do some good things, but his shortcomings have hurt the Bears too many times the last two years.
56. John Timu, ILB
Ten years ago, Timu would’ve been a stud. He has great size and instincts, but his lack of speed and athleticism has killed him in pass defense.
55. Kasim Edebali, ILB
28-year-old who spent most of his career with the Saints. Had five sacks in 2015, but hasn’t done much since. Played for the Broncos and Lions last year, appearing in 13 games with one tackle.
54. Hroniss Grasu, C
Might be Ryan Pace’s worst draft pick. No single player more negatively affected the Bears run offense last year.
53. Isaiah Irving, Edge
A player the Bears seem to like and will probably make the team due to a lack of depth at the position. Will be an interesting player to watch in camp.
52. Jordan Morgan, OG
A raw player who was a good fit for last year’s more power-heavy scheme. Not sure he has the athleticism to play in Nagy’s system.
51. Daniel Brown, TE
Good athlete with good hands. Was trusted by the last coaching staff. We’ll see how he does with the new group.
50. John Jenkins, DT
Doesn’t push the pocket at all, but he also doesn’t get moved. Probably won’t make the team given the additions made along the DL.
49. DeAndre Houston-Carson, S
Special-teamer who really hasn’t found his way on defense. The Bears used him as an extra DB in the red zone at times in 2017. Perhaps they have ideas on how to get more out of him?
48. Patrick Scales, long snapper
He’s a long snapper. He seems to do a solid job, but he’ll be cut if he ever messes up. That’s just how it goes in the long-snapping business.
47. Pat O’Donnell, P
He’s an adequate punter. The Bears tried to find an upgrade during free agency, but couldn’t.
46. Bradley Sowell, OT
Was OK as a fill-in at guard last year. A veteran who won’t kill the team in spot situations. Can play four positions.
45. Javon Wims, WR
Seventh rounder has talent that was never really tapped into at Georgia. Probably more likely to make the practice squad this year but could develop into a good red zone target due to his terrific size.
44. Earl Watford, OG
He’s gotten quite a few snaps and has played OK at times. Solid backup, but you never want him as your starter.
43. Michael Burton, FB
Solid blocker who reminds me of a simpler time in the NFL (and life in general).
42. Joshua Bellamy, WR
Say what you will about his ability to catch, but he has made big plays as a receiver and is great on special teams.
41. Bennie Fowler, WR
Probably a better receiver than Bellamy, but will contribute less on specials. It will be a fun camp battle to watch.
40. Chase Daniel QB
We have no idea if he can play quarterback, but he knows the offense and serves as an extra coach. There’s value in that.
