Bears on the Bubble: Top 5 Players on the Roster Bubble

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

With training camp set to begin in earnest today for most teams around the league, including the Chicago Bears, let’s take a look at which players figure to be fighting harder than most for a roster spot on the 2025 iteration of The Beloved.

5. Ryan Bates - G/C

What Bates has going for him is his versatility (105 snaps at G last season but signed to play Center) and his contract (4 years, $17 million). What he has going against him is his durability (only available for 3 games last season) and his salary (4 years, $17 million). If

he can stay healthy this training camp and hold his own, I like his chances to be one of the first IOLs off the bench. If he struggles in his play or health, I fully expect him to be looking for work come September.

Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ryan Bates playing Center against the Bears in a 2021 preseason game.

4. Travis Homer - RB

Despite not bringing in as much competition at the RB spot as many fans wished for, Homer finds himself on the bubble entering 2025. While I fully expect him to fend off rookie Kyle Monangai on Special Teams, I think he loses touches to the rookie on offense and will be off the roster completely in 2026. But this season? Expect Travis Homer to beat out Hard Knocks darling, Ian Wheeler as RB4 thanks to his dependability in the third phase.

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

Travis Homer warms up prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.

3. Noah Sewell - LB

One consistent theme this off-season with new Head Coach Ben Johnson and the staff he and Bears GM Ryan Poles assembled is the speed and athleticism they brought in while jettisoning some players who lacked as much. From releasing DeMarcus Walker to opting against re-signing fan favorite Jack Sanborn, this Bears team will be faster and more athletic in 2025. Though a 4.64 forty at 246 pounds is nothing to scoff at, especially with the same bench press numbers as Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, it is nowhere near the 4.39 that Bears 4th rounder, and likely Sewell replacement, Ruben Hyppolite II ran at his Pro Day. If Sewell can show up to camp in great shape and makes play after play each chance he gets, I could see him sticking. But just look at Terrell Lewis from a few years ago - even that doesn’t make you a lock.

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Will Noah Sewell play his last down as a Bear this preseason?

2. Tyler Scott - WR

When Ben Johnson was hired, many people, including myself, wondered who would fill the role of “speedster” on this offense, similar to what Jameson Williams did in Detroit. Tyler Scott was a name that came up often with his 4.44 forty and deep speed. And then Devin Duvernay (4.39) was signed, and Luther Burden III (4.41) was drafted. And just this week, DJ Chark (4.34) was brought in for a visit, which is notable considering he has experience with Ben Johnson in 2022. While it is quite possible that the former Cincinnati Bearcat proves his worth this training camp, I personally think he has arguably the worst odds of any player to remain on the roster in 2025.

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Will Tyler Scott be looking for a new team in 2025?

1. Zacch Pickens - DT

When Zacch Pickens was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, just 11 spots after the Bears selected fellow DT, Gervon Dexter Sr., many first scratched their heads before hoping we just locked down the future 1T and 3T of the future. Vibes of the 2004 draft, where Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson were selected in back-to-back rounds, gave fans hope. And then due to injury, coaching or talent, Pickens has failed to make his mark. After this offseason that has seen Chris Williams and Jonathan Ford re-signed, Grady Jarrett added in FA, and Shemar Turner drafted in the 2nd round, I would be borderline shocked if Pickens were a Bear in 2025. I hope he proves me wrong as I would love to see the former South Carolina Gamecock solidify his spot in the rotation, but the writing appears to be on the wall for #96.

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Rainy days may be on the radar, but sunnier days ahead for the young pro, Zacch Pickens.

---

What about you? Who do you think has the hardest chance of sticking on the Bears' final 53-man roster in 2025? What are your thoughts on the ones listed above?

More from windycitygridiron.com: