Chicago Bears: Who Is on the Roster Bubble?
Published by Andrew Garda on August 29, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
We’ve already had one cut which was a surprise, as this past weekend, the Bears sent running back Kahlil Bell packing when he wouldn’t take a pay cut.
At this point, aside from ability, it is a numbers game. Be it dollar signs, roster limits or position depth, numbers are a huge factor as we reach final cut downs.
At the end of the day, raw talent might not be enough for a bubble player.
Booker has always had just enough flash to intrigue me, and as much as I like the upside, he nearly always under performs. With Matt Forte and Micheal Bush looking to get the bulk of the carries and some skill issues on the offensive line and in the secondary, the Bears will be more willing to part with a fourth running back than depth at either spot.
Booker has been good in special teams, but they have other players who can do that and contribute regularly on field in other ways.
He is battling Armando Allen, and really, neither has the size to be more than a change-of-pace back. Both have some speed, but not a lot else. It will likely come down to Thursday night, but Allen has the edge.
Booker may need to perform somewhere other than special teams to make the roster.
Dane Sanzenbacher
When Devin Thomas retired suddenly in early August, my thought was that Sanzenbacher would have a much better chance to make the full roster now. It shouldn’t be in question, as well as he played in 2011, but it was and still is.
The Bears currently have eight wide receivers on the roster and are unlikely to keep more than six, if even that many. Of course, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Eric Weems are locks to make the final cut. So that leaves one spot for Sanzenbacher to claim as his own.
His biggest competitor was Rashied Davis, but Davis was banged up and then cut on Wednesday.
As of now, it looks good, but of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to a guy like Sanzenbacher, but ultimately, he has a good chance to crack the final 53.
Cheta Ozougwu and Aston Whiteside
There is a wealth of talent on the defensive line, especially defensive end now that Shea McClellin joins Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije, so it won’t be a surprise if one or both of these gentlemen don’t make the final cut.
While both are fine depth players, neither of them are strong enough to add much to the overall look of the defense. More than likely, barring a very strong game this week (and potentially even if they have one), they will be cut.
Ryan Quigley
Yes, we’re talking punters. Adam Podlesh is nursing a hip injury, so Quigley has a shot to make the roster at least until Podlesh is good to go.
You might ask why, if Podlesh is hurt, Quigley wouldn’t make the team. Simply put, if he doesn’t do well enough, the Bears could bring in a veteran kicker and cut Quigley.
For myself, it makes sense for Quigley to make the cut—he’s done well enough to warrant a chance, and who knows how long Podlesh will be struggling with the hip injury.
Mark LeGree
LeGree was a fifth-round pick by Seattle in 2011 and later was with the San Francisco 49ers. He was cut this summer, and the Bears signed him just a week and a half ago.
Coming out of Appalachian State, he was heralded as a turnover machine (with 22 interceptions in his college career), but underperformed in pre-draft workouts and struggled in camps.
He hasn’t stood out for the Bears either, and while some safety depth would be nice, there are other players who provide greater reliability.
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