The Chicago Bears seem to have settled most of their pressing roster issues with their two recent trades. Darrell Taylor gives them another presence at edge rusher, deepening their rotation. Meanwhile, Chris Williams provides needed depth at defensive tackle with the recent injury to Zacch Pickens. GM Ryan Poles doesn’t appear to have any glaring needs left to address. That said, it doesn’t mean the Bears will be passive on the waiver wire once final cuts go through on August 27th.
There is always the possibility one or two players the team likes might become available. Chicago has the 9th spot in the wire order. They should take advantage of it. Here are some names that could make sense for them.
Grant DuBose (WR, Green Bay Packers)
If there is one thing Bears fans have learned over the years, the Packers have a sharp eye for wide receiver talent. That hasn’t changed. It appears they have plenty of depth at the position this year, meaning a quality second-year guy like DuBose, who’s had a strong preseason, may get cut anyway. He has five catches for 66 yards, a highlight special teams tackle, and has earned praise for his intense effort as a blocker. The Bears love players like this, and he’s unlikely to get many opportunities in Green Bay.
Matt Hennessy (OG, Philadelphia Eagles)
Remember, the Bears won’t find an All-Pro this time of year. The goal is to add somebody who can provide stable depth, preferably at multiple positions. That is what Hennessy can do. Philadelphia is always loaded on the offensive line, so he’s not your normal cut. The 26-year-old has started games at both center and left guard in his career. He has also stepped in at right guard as a backup. While mostly average as a pass blocker, allowing 46 pressures in 849 snaps, he’s respectable in the ground game, earning an 80+ grade in back-to-back seasons. Chicago is looking for depth along the interior. They could do a lot worse than Hennessy.
The injury to Larry Borom has left the Chicago Bears in an interesting spot. Both starting tackles are healthy and ready. Now, their backup situation is looking iffy. Borom is out for an uncertain amount of time. Rookie Kiran Amegadjie only just returned to practice from a quad injury that ended his final season of college. They could move Matt Pryor outside in a pinch, but he’s better at guard. Arcuri has had a great preseason for the Rams, allowing just two pressures in 82 snaps. He is big, long and has experience working in the same blocking scheme as new center Coleman Shelton. Certainly worth a look.
Leonard Taylor III (DT, New York Jets)
Expectations were low for the undrafted rookie out of Miami, but he stunned everybody with seven pressures and three sacks across three preseason appearances. His ability as an interior pass rusher has stood out from the jump. The problem for New York is they’re already crowded at defensive tackle, which may force them to risk trying to sneak Taylor onto the practice squad. Even though the Bears traded for Chris Williams, that should not stop them from adding the rookie to their rotation. He is exactly what they’re looking for.
