ESPN: Bears’ projected starting lineup ranked middle of the pack

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has worked vigorously to improve the roster since his tenure as chief decision-maker began in January of 2022. The biggest steps towards securing that improvement occurred this offseason when Poles selected former USC quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall. The roster makeover is nearly complete.

ESPN recently tasked its in-house NFL analysts, Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder, with ranking every projected NFL starting lineup. The three eventually came together to combine their rankings from best to worst, taking into account talent, age, and production of the players. The Bears ranked 17th of 32.

Which NFL teams have the best — and worst — rosters?

?@MikeClayNFL?, ?@ASchatzNFL? and I ranked them from 1-32. https://t.co/y4ZZBE5gnY

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) June 25, 2024

Wide receiver was selected as the Bears’ biggest strength. That checks out, with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze expected to fill out a dominant top three. “In a matter of two offseasons, Chicago has gone from having one of the league’s shakiest WR rooms to having perhaps the best,” Clay wrote.

The defensive line is mentioned as a potential weakness by Clay. That’s understandable, given the Bears don’t have any proven pass-rushing threats outside of Montez Sweat. “Montez Sweat is a star, but he simply doesn’t have proven help right now,” Clay continued. “Sweat had 12.5 sacks last season, whereas every other lineman on the roster combined for 9.0.”

Williams was selected as the Bears’ X-factor for the 2024 campaign. The Bears’ postseason hopes likely hinge on how quickly Williams acclimates to professional football. “Forgive the obvious selection but the Bears have a wide range of outcomes, and it all hinges on Williams,” Walder wrote.

And finally, linebacker Jack Sanborn was chosen as the best non-starter to know on the roster. Sanborn will help Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards support the Bears’ defensive line. “The Bears used base personnel 23% of the time last season, and third linebacker Sanborn was excellent against the run,” Schatz boasted. “His average run-game tackle came at 2.5 yards, which ranked fifth among off-ball linebackers. He also had a sack and good metrics when he had to play in pass coverage.”

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