Bears 53-man roster.....Part III

Now on to the DEFENSE!   Similar to the offense, the D brings back a lot of players and has pretty clear cut starters at most positions, with the depth chart also being pretty well settled.  But just like 3rd QB, RB, and TE....there are bound to be a couple surprises at the back of the depth chart on defense also.

DE- Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Corey Wootton, Shea McClellin - No surprises here.  The 2 stalwarts as starters, the #1 draft pick as the key backup.  But the Bears still have high hopes for Wootton, who was a 2nd round talent that could finally live up to his potential given that he is healthy for the first time in his career.  Bears keep only 4 DEs, but look for a 5th on the practice squad just in case Wootton goes down.  Chauncey Davis on the outside looking in.

DT- Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, Matt Toeina, Brian Price, Nate Collins - Bears kept 5 DTs last year, with only 4 active on gameday.  I look for more of the same this year.  Paea's injury and Nate Collins' play in camp and preseason has forced the need for 5 DTs on the roster.  Collins is suspended for Week 1, but I expect him to be the active 4th DT early, until Price gets 100% into game shape.  After that, it's Collins vs. Big Toe(ina) for the 4th "hat" on Sundays. 

LBs- Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Geno Hayes, JT Thomas, Blake Costanzo - I came into this season fully expecting Nick Roach to be on the outside looking in.  But with Urlacher's knee, Roach is the only other player I feel comfortable with starting a game at MLB.  Roach has played pretty well so far at MIKE, and I think Hayes is more of a weakside guy, so Roach keeps his job at the SAM LB position.  Hayes, though, gets a spot because of experience in the Tampa 2.  Thomas has tons of promise, so he stays.  Costanzo is a key special teamer and has looked serviceable at MLB.  Last year's camp surprise, Dom DeCicco fails to make the cut.

Next up, DBs, and special teamers to fill out the 53, along with a "hopeful" practice squad.