(670 The Score) The preference for NFL general managers is to address roster needs through free agency and use the draft to select the best player available.
Sometimes, the best player available player on a team's draft board also fits a key positional need. That was part of why general manager Ryan Pace was pleased with what the Bears accomplished in the draft, where they selected Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet and Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second round. The Bears had each of those players atop their draft board and believe they've filled two key starting spots.
While minor moves will continue in the coming weeks of the offseason, the Bears have mostly settled on their 90-man roster.
Here's a look at how it stands:
Note: This has been updated to include the signing of veteran safety Tashaun Gipson on a one-year deal.
Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky, 25; Nick Foles, 31; Tyler Bray, 28
The Bears are set for an open competition between Trubisky and Foles, which will be the biggest storyline of training camp. But there still doesn't seem to be a potential long-term answer at the position after the Bears declined to draft or sign a quarterback last weekend.
Running back: David Montgomery, 22; Tarik Cohen, 24; Ryan Nall, 24; Artavis Pierce, 23; Napoleon Maxwell, N/A
The Bears are counting on their running back group to be aided by better play on the offensive line and coach Matt Nagy having a stronger commitment to the ground game. Pierce and Maxwell were added as undrafted free agents to compete for depth roles.
Receiver: Allen Robinson, 26; Anthony Miller, 25; Cordarrelle Patterson, 29; Riley Ridley, 23; Javon Wims, 25; Ted Ginn Jr., 35; Darnell Mooney, 22; Trevor Davis, 26; Thomas Ives, 25; Ahmad Wagner, 23; Alex Wesley, 24; Reggie Davis, 24
Robinson emerged as a top receiver in 2019. The question is who else will step up for the Bears. Miller made improvements late last season, and Patterson is expected to play a larger role in the offense in 2020. Meanwhile, Wims, Ridley and Mooney are among those competing for a consistent role.
Tight end: Cole Kmet, 21; Jimmy Graham, 33; Demetrius Harris, 28; Ben Braunecker, 26; Jesper Horsted, 22; J.P. Holtz, 26; Adam Shaheen, 25; Eric Saubert, 26; Dorian Clark, N/A
Far too much was made of the Bears drafting Kmet to a tight ends group that now includes nine. The competition will work itself out, and roles will be defined. Kmet immediately slots in as the Bears' top Y tight end.
Offensive line: Charles Leno Jr., 28; James Daniels, 22; Cody Whitehair, 27; Germain Ifedi, 25; Bobby Massie, 30; Jason Spriggs, 25; Alex Bars, 24; Rashaad Coward, 25; Dino Boyd, 23; Arlington Hambright, 24; Lachavious Simmons, 23; Sam Mustipher, 23; Corey Levin, 25; Badara Traore, N/A
The additions of Ifedi and Spriggs give the Bears two young players to develop for key roles. Ifedi is expected to start at right guard, while Spriggs will likely open the season as the swing tackle. Beyond that, jobs are on the line for an offensive line that collectively struggled in 2019.
Defensive line: Akiem Hicks, 30; Eddie Goldman, 26; Bilal Nichols, 23; Brent Urban, 28; Roy Robertson-Harris, 26; Abdullah Anderson, 24; John Jenkins, 30; Trevon McSwain, 23; Lee Autry, 23
Not much changed on the Bears' defensive line this offseason, as it's still led by Hicks and Goldman. Somebody must step up to fill the void of Nick Williams, who led Chicago's defensive linemen in sacks in 2019.
Outside linebacker: Khalil Mack, 29; Robert Quinn, 29; Trevis Gipson, 22; Barkevious Mingo, 29; Isaiah Irving, 25; LaCale London, 22; James Vaughters, 26; Ledarius Mack, N/A.
In adding Quinn on a five-year, $70-million deal in March, the Bears made a big move to create a dynamic tandem off the edge with Mack. Behind them, Gipson should get a chance to be the third rusher in this rotation.
Inside linebacker: Roquan Smith, 23; Danny Trevathan, 30; Devante Bond, 26; Joel Iyiegbuniwe, 24; Josh Woods, 23; Rashad Smith, 23; Keandre Jones, N/A
The Bears re-signed the veteran Trevathan in March, while Nick Kwiatkoski left for Las Vegas by signing with the Raiders. There will be competition to be the first reserve off the bench.
Cornerback: Kyle Fuller, 28; Jaylon Johnson, 21; Buster Skrine, 31; Artie Burns, 25; Tre Roberson, 27; Kevin Toliver, 24; Duke Shelley, 23; Kindle Vildor, 23; Stephen Denmark, 24; Xavier Crawford, 24
The Bears signed Burns and Roberson to compete with Toliver for the starting cornerback spot opposite of Fuller. They then drafted Johnson in the second round and likely decided the position battle. He has the inside track to start, provided his shoulder heals in time for training camp.
Safety: Eddie Jackson, 26; Tashaun Gipson, 29; Deon Bush, 26; Kentrell Brice, 25; Jordan Lucas, 26; Sherrick McManis, 32; DeAndre Houston-Carson, 27
When the Bears hit the clock with their two second-round selections, there were intriguing safeties available. They then filled a leftover void at safety by reaching a one-year deal with Tashaun Gipson, an eight-year NFL veteran.
Special teams: Eddy Pineiro (K), 24; Ramiz Ahmed (K), 24; Pat O'Donnell (P), 29; Patrick Scales (LS), 32
The Bears are set for another kicking competition, with Pineiro and Ahmed squaring off heading into the 2020 season.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
