My 53-man Bears roster

This is how I would construct the Bears final roster, pending no trades are made.  It's also a prediction on what I think the roster will look like.

Quarterbacks (2)- Jay Cutler, Josh McCown.

The Matt Blanchard situation stinks, because he was a nice developmental QB.  But what it does is create an open spot for the Bears to keep a player at another position.  I look for the Bears to find a practice squad QB after final cuts are made.  If a 3rd QB is needed, they can always go get Trent Edwards or Jordan Palmer again off the street, which is where they will be after final cuts this weekend.

Running backs (4)- Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Michael Ford, Tony Fiametta.

Forte and the Presidents.  As I predicted several months ago in a mock draft, Michael Ford has too much talent not to be on an NFL roster.  Highly recruited out of HS.  Hard runner, who is also very fast.  Armando Allen is an experienced special teamer, but the Bears aren't short on those.  Ford has proven to be better in all phases with the ball in his hands, Allen's injury didn't help either.  Fiametta has been a big + in the run game, he makes the squad.

Wide Receiver (6)- Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Earl Bennett, Marquess Wilson, Joe Anderson, Eric Weems.

Interesting that Anderson hasn't been in with the 1s at all the last 2 weeks, and doesn't appear to be out there on special teams with the 1s either, a role he was very good at last year in limited duty.  A surprise would be Terrance Tolliver taking Anderson's spot, as the Bears seem to really like him.  Anderson gets the nod due to his ability to play the slot and teams, whereas Tolliver doesn't appear to be able to do either.  Weems makes it for the same reason.  All phase special teamer, potential to play slot WR.  Bennett's health forces the Bears to carry 6 WRs, at least to start.

Tight End (3)- Martellus Bennett, Steve Maneri, Fendi Onubun.

I know Bears fans think Onubun is a lost case because of his wide open drops in games the last few weeks, but he has had a strong camp and can really run.  You see drops, I see a guy who can get open.  He'll start catching the ball.  Wanted to keep 4 TEs, but Fiametta has been really good so far.  Adams, I like, and thought he and Maneri could make Fiametta look 1-dimensional and play a FB/H-back role.  Haven't shown that they can this preseason.  Adams is gone because of it.

Offensive Line (8)- Jermon Bushrod, Matt Slauson, Roberto Garza, Kyle Long, Jordan Mills, Eben Britton, James Brown, Jonathan Scott.

I am a rare Bears fan that actually likes J'Marcus Webb, but a change of scenery is probably necessary.  Penalties and poor run blocking probably sealed his fate last week.  He will presumably get a ton of time this week to bury himself.  Britton makes the squad because he has experience at OT and OG.  He's probably gameday inactive when the rest of the OL is healthy, but he is the swing OT until Scott is ready to play.  Hopefully, he won't be needed.

Defensive End (5)- Julius Peppers, Corey Wootton, Shea McClellin, Cheta Ozougwu, Cornelius Washington.

Bears keep 5 DEs.  With Peppers and Wootton's ability to play inside on pass downs, the 4 D-End, DL is possible.  Washington has too much potential to risk on waivers.  Gameday inactive to start.

Defensive tackle (4)- Stephen Paea, Henry Melton, Nate Collins, Corvey Irvin.

Irvin is hurt right now, but he got the start over Collins in Week 2 vs. the Chargers.  I thought he looked decent.  Bears take a risk here and expose Zach Minter to waivers, frankly because he can go to the practice squad and Irvin can't.

Linebackers (6)- Lance Briggs, Jon Bostic, James Anderson, DJ Williams, Blake Costanzo, Khaseem Greene.

Big name cut here is JT Thomas.  I really thought JT had some potential.  He, frankly, looked bad vs. Terrell Pryor this weekend.  He also missed a couple tackles on kickoffs.  And a player on the bubble like him can't afford special teams screw ups.  DJ Williams' ability and experience at all 3 LB spots makes the depth here OK without Thomas.

Cornerbacks (5)- Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, Isaiah Frey, Zach Bowman, Sherrick McManis.

CJ Wilson led the team in defensive snaps last week.  He will get a longer look this week.  With Bowman's health for Week 1 in question, there's a shot for Wilson to make the roster if he has a good showing on Thursday.  In that case, the Bears would have to go short handed at WR or DT with Weems, Anderson, and Irvin the names fighting for their lives on the roster.  Ideally, the Bears would be able to trade Webb or someone not making the roster for an experienced CB.  McManis isn't very good as a corner, but is a core special teamer.  Outside shot his roster spot could be taken, but it would have to be a solid upgrade over him on the defensive end, while not losing much on teams.  Not sure that player exists.

Safeties (4)- Chris Conte, Major Wright, Craig Steltz, Anthony Walters.

Big cut here is 2012 3rd round pick, Brandon Hardin.  Hardin just has not done enough on defense or teams to keep his job.  While the GM did draft him, the coaching staff has no loyalty to him.  Very talented kid, but if a starter gets hurt and he has to come on the field, it wouldn't be a good situation for the Bears.

Specialists (4)- Robbie Gould- K, Adam Podlesh- P, Pat Mannelly- LS, Devin Hester- KR.

Well, looks like Hester is going to be on the roster.  Special teams coach, DeCamillas really wants him to be the team's return man and still has faith in him returning to greatness.  Could be coach speak, but I would have bet money that Hester would have been gone by now if that was the plan the entire time.  But if he's not going to play WR or cover kicks, I think there's an outside shot he could be trade bait.  Not sure what a team would give up for him (reserve CB?), but odds are, he plays out the final year of his contract with the Bears.