The Chicago Bears have done a terrific job assembling their new roster for the pivotal 2024 season. Jaylon Johnson was retained, keeping the defense strong. Far bigger were the improvements on offense with Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift, Gerald Everett, and, of course, the two big arrivals at wide receiver, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. If new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron can get everybody on the same page, this group has a chance to do some serious damage this fall.
However, there are lingering concerns about the depth situation at multiple spots. Former scouting director Greg Gabriel explained on Windy City Gridiron that the receiver position is elite at the top but has serious question marks after the top three names. Nobody among Velus Jones, Tyler Scott, Freddie Swain, or Dante Pettis has enough proven experience to make one feel comfortable if any of the big names get injured. That is why it isn’t a stretch to think the Bears might not be done adding at the position.
After the top three wide receivers, there is a drop-off in talent. Camp will be interesting to see who jumps up to earn the number four, five and six wide receiver positions…
…It’s my opinion that after Moore, Allen, and Odunze, the next grouping is questionable. All have talent, but none has played to their talent level yet. If the Bears don’t like what they see from the reserve group, it would not surprise me if they signed another vet following OTAs. The next three weeks of OTAs and early training camp will be very important for these players.
If the top three of Moore, Allen, and Odunze stay healthy, there is no problem, and this group should give opposing defenses fits. It will be fun watching how it develops.
The Chicago Bears have interesting options if they take this route.
The initial belief is that Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus will give Jones and Scott every opportunity to prove that they can contribute after a disappointing 2023. That said, their leashes aren’t limitless. If they get off to a poor start in training camp, the Bears may pivot to outside help. Currently, there is a handful of notable names available for them to look into. Two-time All-Pro Michael Thomas is still out there, though his recent injury history gives one pause. Slot target Hunter Renfrow could be helpful. So can speedy Mecole Hardman, who Poles has ties to from Kansas City.
There is also a possibility that the Chicago Bears will wait until the final cuts in late August to pluck somebody from the waiver wire. Poles is never shy about taking calculated risks on players released from other teams. The odds are we won’t have an answer to this question for another two months at the earliest. One thing is clear. Jones and Scott are under tons of pressure. Chris Beatty is their new position coach. He had no say in them being drafted. If he thinks the Bears can do better, they might be screwed.
