(670 The Score) Long before they were hired to lead the Bears’ football operations, general manager Ryan Poles and assistant general manager Ian Cunningham each had dreams of making it as players in the NFL.
Poles and Cunningham were both undrafted rookie offensive linemen out of the ACC in 2008 looking to latch on to a team. Neither made the initial 53-man rosters for their teams, as Poles was waived by the Bears and Cunningham let go by the Chiefs. It marked the end of one chapter and beginning of another, as they each went on to pursue front office roles.
Because of their own experience, Poles and Cunningham knew well how difficult of a day Tuesday would be. They trimmed the Bears’ roster from the 90-man limit to an initial 53-man form, which meant cutting and waiving a significant number of players. Many won't be on an NFL roster again, as was the case for both Poles and Cunningham.
Here's a breakdown of the Bears' initial 53-man roster as the team enters a promising season with the hopes of contending.
Note: Teams can begin forming their 16-man practice squads Wednesday. Players available on waivers can be claimed once the waiver cycle begins Wednesday at 11 a.m. CT.
Quarterback (2): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent
As was the Bears' hope, there has been no quarterback drama. The 22-year-old Williams was named the Bears’ starter shortly after being selected at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft in late April. Bagent, who started four games last season, has solidified his role as the backup.
Running back (4): D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Khalil Herbert, Travis Homer
After the Bears signed Swift to be their lead back, Herbert had to solidify his place on the depth chart. He did so with a strong showing in training camp and the preseason and now sticks around for a fourth season.
Wide receiver (6): DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, DeAndre Carter, Velus Jones Jr.
Behind a talented starting trio at receiver, the remaining spots at the position were focused on solidifying special teams value. Carter is in line to serve as a returner. Jones became a sentimental favorite on "Hard Knocks" and has made the team after uncertainty around his future. He's listed as a receiver, but he has been working primarily as a running back lately.
Tight end (3): Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, Marcedes Lewis
There was really no competition at the tight end position, which is led by the 25-year-old Kmet and features steady veterans in Everett and Lewis to fill certain roles.
Offensive line (10): Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Ryan Bates, Doug Kramer, Bill Murray, Matt Pryor
Bates' injury derailed the Bears' hope to have true competition at a couple spots on their offensive line, as he was set to battle with Shelton at center and Davis at right guard. Instead, the offensive line is set with Jones, Jenkins, Shelton, Davis and Wright from left to right.
Defensive line (10): Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter Sr., DeMarcus Walker, Darrell Taylor, Andrew Billings, Zacch Pickens, Austin Booker, Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy, Chris Williams
The Bears acquired the veteran pass rusher Taylor on Friday and the defensive tackle Williams on Saturday, adding to a front that lacked quality depth. It’s possible the Bears could seek more additions for their defensive line on the waiver wire in the coming days.
Linebacker (5): Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Jack Sanborn, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Noah Sewell
Edmunds and Edwards enter their second season together as a tandem, while Sanborn offers quality reserve depth at either position.
Cornerback (6): Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, Jaylon Jones
Perhaps the strongest position on the Bears’ roster, the cornerback spot features three talented, established starters and three reserves who are capable of starting.
Safety (4): Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
The Bears have a new duo at safety as Brisker will pair up with the two-time All-Pro veteran Byard. A key backup, Owens has 30 career starts under his belt.
Specialists (3): Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Patrick Scales
The expectation is that Scales will be placed on injured reserve Wednesday, so the Bears need to find a replacement at long snapper as he's set to miss at least the first month of the regular season.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.