Bears 16-man practice squad projection ahead of training camp, who Chicago can look to keep around based on what they showed this summer

TE Joel Wilson - Ben Johnson listed Joel Wilson as one of his four standouts from the offseason program, but it's going to be hard to crack into the tight end room. Once training camp opens, Wilson will have to prove he can be an effective blocker to take the TE3 spot from Durham Smythe. If not, his receiving ability could come in handy as a call up guy if anything were to happen to Cole Kmet or Colston Loveland.

WR Maurice Alexander - When Ben Johnson took the Bears job, it didn't take long for Maurice Alexander to join him after spending three seasons with the Lions. Clearly Johnson and Antwaan Randle-El like this guy and want him around in some capacity.

WR Samori Toure - The argument for who should be the second practice squad WR was a tough call to make based on who got left of the 53-man roster. I can see Tyler Scott landing elsewhere if cut, making this decision between Samori Toure and John Jackson. Toure has shown enough to get the nod over Caleb Williams' friend.

OL Bill Murray - This was another tough call to make. Bill Murray looked really good stepping in at left guard before suffering a season-ending injury in 2024. He's got some interior versatility as well. After drafting Luke Newman and re-signing Doug Kramer, the roster spot battle will be between him and Ryan Bates.

OL Theo Benedet - The Bears don't have much tackle depth but should keep Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie as backups (depending on who starts at LT). Therefore, keeping the Canadian Eagle around for another year is an easy call here.

OL Chris Glaser - At this point, Chris Glaser is used to life on the practice squad and joined the Bears in 2024. He was even elevated for three games last season taking eight total snaps on special teams.

OL Ricky Stromberg - This is someone the Bears liked in the pre-draft process a few years back and finally were able to sign to the practice squad last season. He's always had strong center potential and is still trying to reach his upside.

DL Jonathan Ford - Multiple times now, Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson have mentioned how the loss of Andrew Billings impacted the defense. Eventually, the Bears signed Jonathan Ford to fill that role and he should stay in Chicago just in case.

DE Xavier Carlton - The first 2025 UDFA on the list. Xavier Carlton offers a lot of upside off the edge after racking up 18 sacks over his final three college seasons, including 9.0 sacks in 2024. He has the ideal frame Dennis Allen prefers as well.

DL Jamree Kromah - Jamree Kromah re-joined the Bears back in October on the practice squad after initially joining as a UDFA last offseason. He has versatility inside and off the edge and also recorded double digit sacks during his final college season.

LB Carl Jones - Carl Jones is a fun player. He can cover as a linebacker and has the size to rush the passer as well. An intriguing defender to keep on the squad.

S Tarvarius Moore - Given his special teams impact, it was smart to see the Bears re-sign Tarvarius Moore, but it's likely he starts the season on the practice squad again.

DB Jeremiah Walker - The latest addition to the roster after joining the team following a successful minicamp tryout. I wouldn't mind keeping Jeremiah Walker around given his history lining up all over the secondary and the ability to play multiple roles.

S Major Burns - Another UDFA defensive back. I opted to keep Tysheem Johnson over Major Burns on the 53-man roster but either way I see both players staying in Chicago in some capacity in 2025 to have long-term depth in the room.