Chicago Bears Insider Lists How Many Waiver Claims Team Could Make

The Chicago Bears are about to enter the most critical evaluation period this month. Nothing helps them determine which players are worth keeping (outside of the obvious starters) more than the preseason. Live-game action says so much more about a player than practice ever could. Head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles figure to take detailed notes about which positions stand out and which may not reach expectations. Depending what they see could determine what comes at the end of August.

That is when every team must cut their rosters down from 90 players to 53. It creates the last big opportunity for Poles to acquire certain names he and the scouting department may like. That would be done through waivers. Having originally held the #1 pick this off-season, Chicago also holds #1 in the waiver priority list. It's hard to imagine the GM won't try taking advantage of this. It comes down to what extent he will. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune not only has an idea of how many claims we can expect but what position they may target.

Get ready for a shock: it's in the trenches.

"I would be a little surprised if the Bears made a whole slew of waiver claims, but I’d be willing to bet they will make three or four. One position I wonder about is the swing tackle spot. Larry Borom has been working as the backup left tackle. If the Bears are not sold on him, that could be one position where they scan the waiver wire for help. They also could bring in a veteran cut loose by another team who is not subject to waivers.

With the exception of signing defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, it’s fair to say most of the recent moves have been due to attrition and injuries. I doubt they add a tight end after signing Marcedes Lewis, but most of the other positions are not so stacked that they shouldn’t consider the possibility of additions. It will be interesting to see what shakes out around cut time, but I definitely would keep an eye out for a move for a swing tackle."

This makes sense for the Chicago Bears.

Borom has been a serviceable player since arriving a few years ago, but the swing tackle spot is of vital importance on any roster. Right now, their only realistic options are Borom and Aviante Collins. Borom is a decent pass protector but has little value in the run game. Collins is the opposite. He's a strong run blocker but vulnerable in passing situations. It makes sense Poles and Eberflus might prefer to target somebody with credibility in both facets if he can be found. Waivers could produce such an option.

Other positions to watch include guard, wide receiver, and safety. Nate Davis still hasn't returned to practice, and Alex Leatherwood left the most recent one with an injury. Chase Claypool and Equanimeous St. Brown were also hurt in the same practice at receiver. Safety isn't pressing for help, but the Chicago Bears have zero veteran experience behind Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker. So Biggs is correct. Three or four waiver claims feel like the wheelhouse once the cuts start flooding in.