The Bears received their franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, along with a glimmer of hope that the team is about to enter a new, exciting chapter in its history.
In Round 1, general manager Ryan Poles selected quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. In Round 3, he added depth to the offensive line with Kiran Amegadjie. In Round 4, punter Tory Taylor gave the special teams a boost. In Round 5, he took a chance on defensive end Austin Booker.
Now that the Bears’ draft class has been confirmed, it’s time to focus on the offseason schedule. On April 15, Phase 1 got underway. The rookie minicamp is scheduled for May 10–11, and the OTAs will begin on May 20.
Here’s an early peek at the projected depth chart as the Bears begin their offseason program, though keep in mind that they still want to add players over the summer and training camp.
Quarterback (3)
Beginning: Caleb Williams
Tyson Bagent as a backup
Regarding the bubble/Camera Quarterback: Brett Rypien
Thursday marked the arrival of the Bears’ future when Williams was chosen with the first overall pick by the team.
Williams’ focus over the next few months will be on mastering the playbook, honing his ability to process calls while wearing a headset and then rephrase them in the huddle, and building rapport with his staff and teammates.
Bagent assumes the role of backup going into the offseason program. During his four starts last year while Justin Fields was out with an injury, he had a few solid games. Bagent declared that he will improve his throwing technique during the offseason. The Bears are pleased with Bagent’s talent and work ethic.
In addition to competing for the backup position, Rypien—who the Bears signed to a one-year contract this offseason—will probably take Nathan Peterman’s spot as the team’s backup quarterback.
Fullback (1), Running back (4)
Commencing: D’Andre Swift
Khalil Herbert, RB-2
RB3: Johnson Roschon
RB4: Homer, Travis
Facebook: Khari Blasingame
At the outset of free agency, the Bears signed Swift to replace him as their primary running back. Swift, who just finished with 1,000 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles, is a far more consistent pass-catching threat than Johnson or Kerbert.
As a courtesy to Swift, I anticipate Herbert will begin the offseason program as the starting backup, but Johnson will put pressure on him.
The Bears had big expectations for the second-year back out of Texas, who was selected in the fourth round of last April, even though he didn’t have the effect he was hoping for in his first season.
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