ROSTER SHAKE-UP: Latest Bears Drafts Picks Face Uncertain Future Ahead Of Final Cuts
Beyond Scott, another offensive draft pick on the bubble is center Doug Kramer. A release wouldn’t come as a surprise to him or the fan base, especially after Chicago brought in Drew Dalman during the offseason. The plan appears to be keeping Ryan Bates as the backup center, but if the Bears decide to part ways with Bates instead, Kramer could find himself with an opportunity.
On the defensive side, 2023 third-rounder Zacch Pickens is also at risk of being cut. If he survives roster trimming, it would likely be as the final defensive lineman on the depth chart. Much like Scott, Pickens has struggled to make a strong impression over the past couple of seasons, leaving his future with the team uncertain.
2023 fourth-rounder Tyler Scott has been a frequent topic of conversation, and it’s easy to see why. Over two seasons, his production has fallen short, and the possibility of him being cut has been on the radar for quite a while.
Scott is one of several recent Bears draft picks facing the risk of not making the 53-man roster. Brought in as a potential deep threat with impressive straight-line speed, he’s had too many costly mistakes in his limited opportunities. The latest came in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, where he muffed the opening kickoff.
At wide receiver, the Bears are almost certain to keep DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luther Burden III, and Devin Duvernay. After that, it’s uncertain whether they’ll even carry a sixth wideout. If they do, the final spot will likely come down to Scott, Jahdae Webster, or JP Richardson.
The atmosphere is positive in the Windy City as the Chicago Bears near the end of their offseason and preseason, with final roster cuts just around the corner. However, that optimism tends to fade once those cuts arrive.
With only 53 roster spots available, some recent draft selections may end up being released. While we’ll save a deeper discussion on what that means for general manager Ryan Poles for another time, let’s first take a closer look at the wide receiver group.