The Chicago Bears still have a lot of work to do, but a few veterans on the team could be relegated to the bench because of rookies.
For a team like the Chicago Bears that went 3-14 in 2022, there are still several holes to fill and opportunities to be seized. That includes the division and several starting positions on the field.
Unless you have elite-level talent at a position, any roster spot is open for change. Right now, the Bears do not have elite-level players. They are just good enough to start. As such, all spots are up for grabs, with the exception of Justin Fields, but even he has a leash.
That said, it's important to note that nothing is set in stone until Week 1, and until then, there is so much time to determine who gets on the field and who does not. While rookie Darnell Wright will lock down the right tackle spot on Day One, the rest of the rookies from this year's class have nothing guaranteed. But some can surprise.
Let's take a look at some who have the best chance of overtaking the man ahead of them.
Chicago Bears rookies who could replace veterans in the starting lineup
No. 1: Jaylon Johnson is replaced by Tyrique Stevenson as CB1 and Terrell Smith takes over at CB2, keeping Kyler Gordon in the slot.
Jaylon Johnson being replaced by a rookie? That sounds rather shocking, but at the same time, his stats don't exactly scream a mega-extension. It would be a nice story if he was kept around, but the lack of interceptions on his resume leaves a cause to pause.
Furthermore, when a team drafts two cornerbacks, doesn't that sound like a sign that the team might be deciding to move in a different direction? Possibly. Only Eddie Jackson looks like he may stick around, but it's also plausible that he, too, moves on within the next season and gets replaced by another rookie.
Whatever the situation, don't be surprised to see No. 33 on the bench if that happens. It seems like a shock because No. 33 at cornerback has meaning in Chicago; see Charles Tillman. But this is not about loyalty; it's results first.
Bears: Roschon Johnson replaces Khalil Herbert as RB1
With the exception of Curtis Enis, a running back who plays for the Chicago Bears, tends to do really well. Dating back to the days of Rick Casares as a fullback in the '50s and '60s to Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Thomas Jones and even Matt Forte, Chicago has backfield history. Even Rashaan Salaam, god rest his soul, had some good moments in Chicago during his brief stint.
Having said that, while Khalil Herbert has shown that he can be an effective running back, Chicago drafted Roschon Johnson for a reason. Johnson was stuck on the depth chart behind Bijan Robinson in Texas and still has fresh tires to work with. The running game is critical to a quarterback's development.
DJ Moore and rookie Tyler Scott will help in the passing game, but Roschon Johnson has a chance to seize a starting spot in the Chicago backfield and not turn back. Again, everything is still up for grabs at this point, and those who seize the opportunity and make the most out of it will be compensated for their work.
Bears: Noah Sewell replaces Jack Sanborn as OLB
This might tug at the hearts of overly loyal Bears fans, but Jack Sanborn, as nice as a story it was to see him play, can be replaced. Not on the roster; he is far too valuable to let go. He needs to be on the roster, but the starting lineup is different. Noah Sewell is more than capable of jumping in the starting 11 and going from there.
If there is one thing Matt Eberflus knows about, it is linebacker play. Fortunately, the Chicago Bears are specialists at finding linebackers throughout their history, although there have been a few misses in recent years.
Sewell can earn the job; he has more than enough ability to make noise on the field. He has shown that he can play through rookie camp and everything else that has happened thus far. Whether or not that translates to more playing time or even a starting role remains to be seen. But he has an excellent shot to replace Sanborn in the starting lineup.