One of the overlooked aspects about each of the Chicago Bears opponents this preseason is how GM Ryan Pace is viewing them. He’s not interested in the outcome of the game. His job when watching the action is to determine how his players are playing, but also how the opposing players are playing. There’s a possibility that at least one of them could be wearing a Bears uniform before the regular season begins.
It’s all about fit and availability. The likelihood that every opposing player who performed well against the Bears will stay on their current roster by cutdown day is remote. This is why Pace needs to make sure he has his information collection and his hand ready on that waiver wire button. There is no such thing about settling on a roster.
Until this Bears team is winning games, Pace should always be looking for ways to get better. Even if they might be depth moves at first glance. There’s no telling when a minor addition can become a major one. Injuries are prevalent in this league. The Bears have learned that the hard way. With ailments to key players mounting, here are some names on upcoming opposing rosters they should be watching.
Ben Niemann (ILB, Kansas City Chiefs)
Josey Jewell was the big name linebacker to come out of Iowa this year. People from that school though emphatically insisted that teammate Ben Niemann was criminally underrated. While not the tough run defender that Jewell is, Niemann showcases speed, range, and instinct for finding the football. He’s a proven coverage linebacker who understands how to jump the passing lane for interceptions.
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Byron Pringle (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)
The wide receiver depth chart appears set for the most part already. Five of the anticipated six slots are virtual locks:
- Tyreek Hill
- Sammy Watkins
- Chris Conley
- Demarcus Robinson
- Jehu Chesson
That leaves only one spot left, making it difficult for an undrafted free agent like Byron Pringle to crack the roster. He’s 24-years old already and has a history of off-the-field issues. However, he’s a father now and has stayed relatively out of trouble. At 6’1 he has solid size coupled with 4.4 speed, making him a legitimate vertical threat.
Given how much the Bears want to attack down the field in this new offense, he would make an interesting addition. He has kick return ability on top of it, so he can be justified as the sixth receiver.
Marcus Murphy (RB, Buffalo Bills)
Expectations are sky high for Tarik Cohen this year. The Bears feel he can be something lethal in that Matt Nagy offense. It would also appear they’re hoping for more of the same from Tiquan Mizzell given how much playing time he’s gotten. Thus far the results haven’t been overly impressive despite heavy workloads.
If they want more of that, they should be watching Marcus Murphy in Buffalo. This is a guy who comes from the Mickey Loomis pool in New Orleans. So right away Pace should be interested. Murphy’s having an excellent preseason for the Bills, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and also having four catches for 30 yards. He has excellent hands for pass catching and showcases good vision as a runner.
Shaq Lawson (DE, Buffalo Bills)
The Bears have to be feeling the pressure at their edge rush position by now. See what I did there? Leonard Floyd now has two broken fingers. Aaron Lynch still hasn’t practiced after suffering a hamstring injury last month. Everybody else at outside linebacker has looked like exactly what they are: backups and role players.
They have to find more help. Preferably someone with upside whom Vic Fangio might be able to turn into something. Shaq Lawson is a former first round pick in Buffalo. Since the arrival of Sean McDermott and the new coaching staff, an icy relationship seems to have developed between the two parties. Some aren’t sure Lawson survives the cuts.
If that’s the case, despite his struggles to this point there is enough potential in the 24-year old worth exploring for Chicago.
