Chicago Bears Roster 2018 Bears Roster

A lot has changed in the Windy City, and for the better. They still have a solid running back duo, as Jordan Howard is one of the bell cow backs in the league. Tarik Cohen was used in the passing game at times, and that will be the case this year. Mitch Trubisky is in year two, and looking to take a major jump. He has better weapons around him, which will take the pressure off a bit. Adding Allen Robinson is a huge upgrade for their WR1 needs, and while we still need to see if he is the Robinson of old. Chicago added Taylor Gabriel, who was a player that Atlanta used with specific plays. Will we ever see a healthy Kevin White? Maybe, and if we do it would be another piece for Trubisky. The Bears have a few options at tight end, they landed Trey Burton, and have Adam Shaheen in his second year.

Test is Over. Time to Perform.

The 2017 season was utilized as a test year for the Chicago Bears. They put their #1 pick under the helm in Mitchell Trubisky and let him feel out the offense and opposing defenses. While this project lead to a paltry 5-11 record, the team found solace in Trubisky's maturing. His statistics weren't mind-blowing, but his numbers placed him within the top-half of all league quarterbacks by season's end. Building off this gained momentum is something Chicago took into their off-season.

The team needed to arm Trubisky with offensive talents he could utilize. Last year the team played wide receiver roulette, signing guys off waivers and staffing the team enough to make up for injuries. This created an inconsistency in terms of chemistry and game planning. Knowing this was something to strike on, the team brought in key free agent Allen Robinson from Jacksonville. Robinson's numbers helped Blake Bortles claim his rise to fame and nearly helped the team reach the Super Bowl this past season. This big-bodied target is the perfect fit for chasing the long ball and giving opposing cornerbacks a fit. Speaking to the Super Bowl, the team was also able to sign Trey Burton out of Philadelphia. Burton brings size, a nose for pass and run blocking, and consistent hands to the tight end position. Round this out with the addition of Taylor Gabriel and a healthy Kevin White and you have a core of receiving talents Trubisky can find solace in.

On the defensive side of the ball, the team looked to build through the draft. Using the 8th overall pick to select Roquan Smith, a linebacker out of Georgia, was a move the team desperately needed to make. Smith carries an instant starter mentality and will get out of the gates fast. His in-game mindset is something that could lead to stardom within the league. The only problem with Smith, he is the only first-round pick yet to sign with the team. Putting contractual obligations aside, once Smith inks a deal, he will head a rebuilt linebacker crew that is in need of a performer. A key free agent also came at the cornerback position with Prince Amukamara. Prince will run opposite side of Kyle Fuller, creating a cornerback tandem that will benefit the team when facing skilled wide receiver depths. Prince is long and tall, helping him defend the threat of the deep ball and match the physicality of opposing receivers.

This team's roster is built around young talents. The only player on the team who has exceeded ten years of playing time is back-up quarterback Chase Daniels. This untested group will strength their sets on chemistry and learning together. This isn't a roster that is built for overnight success, but it is a team that will be hard to reckon with once they figure out their sets, matchup requirements, and other such fundamental pieces. This team is also built for duration, helping to set the pace of play at a high level. If they find a few teams they can outwork and outlast, this team will build on last season's record in hopes of finishing near the top of a tough division.