2023 Chicago Bears Playoff Hopes Tied To Youth Movement

The 2023 season begins in earnest in two weeks. 91 players will report to camp this year, and a quick scan of the roster reveals one clear objective heading into the preseason. Ryan Poles has emphasized a youth movement.

78 players on the roster are 27 years old or younger.

Ryan Poles has some veteran leadership on the roster as well. Safety Eddie Jackson anchors the secondary. Starting middle linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds is entering his 6th year in the league but is only 25 years old. You will find veterans competing for the starting lineup. Andrew Billings and DeMarcus Walker are the only defensive linemen barely over the age of 27. Both are 28 years old.

On offense, Cody Whitehair (31) provides the veteran leadership for an offensive line whose starters are Darnell Wright (21), Nate Davis (24), Teven Jenkins (25), and Braxton Jones (24). Behind the starting line, only Lucas Patrick (29) is over the age of 27.

The running backs on the roster are a young group. D'Onta Foreman is the elder statesman but is only 27. Khalil Herbert is still only 25, and Roschon Johnson is a rookie.

Robert Tonyan, recently signed after five seasons in Green Bay, is 29 but has a lot of tread on the tires, playing a limited role in the Packers' offense. He pairs with 24-year-old Cole Kmet to provide Justin Fields with two essential targets between the seams.

The Wide Receiver room has an excellent mix of youth, speed, and veteran leadership. The top three WRs on the depth chart are all veterans. Moore is in his 6th year but still is only 26 years old. Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool are entering their 4th year in the league at 25.

The Importance of Youth

When Ryan Poles first came to Chicago last year, his transparency was refreshing. He aimed to rebuild the roster with a strong focus on youth and speed. Even this year, when fans longed for Poles to sign high-priced veterans, Poles stuck to his objective.

Poles brought in several starters and solid special team players that provide depth. His draft selections also brought some immediate starters. And the Bears still have more cap space than any other team in the NFL.

With upgrades in talent everywhere one looks, Poles' job is far from finished. There are contract extensions for several players. Jaylon Jones, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and Cole Kmet have all been the target of contract extension rumors. If Justin Fields has the breakout season many expect, signing him to an extension sooner than later is paramount. We have seen salaries skyrocket for Quarterbacks in recent years. The cap room is also needed for in-season moves as well. Injuries happen, and if a key starter has a season-ending injury, Poles needs money to sign a replacement.

So many players on rookie contracts allow the team to grow together. No team will ever have the same 53-man roster from one year to the next. Injuries end careers prematurely. Aging veterans are replaced with younger players that are less expensive. It's the nature of the business.

What Ryan Poles has done to overhaul the Bears' roster in less than two seasons is remarkable. This team might not be contending for a Super Bowl just yet, but they are far closer to a title than any Bears team since 2010.