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Why the Bears Moved On From 2023 Draft Picks Travis Bell and Kendall Williamson

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Table of Contents

Training Camp Reality Check

When the Chicago Bears finalized their 53-man roster in August 2023, two seventh-round selections found themselves on the wrong side of roster cuts. defensive tackle Travis Bell and safety Kendall Williamson, both 2023 draft picks, failed to secure spots despite the typical patience teams show with late-round selections.

2023 Draft Class Performance Breakdown

Successful Picks Showing Promise

First-round offensive tackle Darnell Wright immediately solidified his position as a starter, demonstrating elite pass-blocking skills that justified his top-10 selection. Second-round defensive lineman Gervon Dexter displayed disruptive potential, particularly in sub packages, despite needing technical refinement.

Bears Finally Cut 2023 Draft Disappointments Travis Bell and Kendall Williamson: What Went Wrong?

Where Bell and Williamson Fell Short

Bell's college production at Kennesaw State (6'3", 300 lbs) didn't translate to NFL competition. Coaches noted his inability to maintain gap integrity against professional offensive linemen. Williamson's athletic testing numbers (4.58 40-yard dash, 38" vertical) masked concerning tape showing poor route recognition and inconsistent tackling angles.

Roster Dynamics Behind the Cuts

Positional Competition

The defensive line rotation featured established veterans Andrew Billings and rising sophomore Zacch Pickens, leaving no room for developmental projects. In the secondary, Williamson couldn't outplay special teams contributors let alone challenge starters Jaquan Brisker and Eddie Jackson.

Financial Considerations

While cutting the pair only saved $1.2 million in cap space, it signaled the Bears' commitment to maximizing roster flexibility. With $82 million projected for 2025 and quarterback Caleb Williams entering his crucial second season, the front office prioritized immediate contributors over long-shot prospects.

Broader Implications for Bears' Rebuild

General Manager Ryan Poles' decision reflects evolving draft strategy:

Increased emphasis on athletic benchmarks for late-round picks
Willingness to admit draft mistakes quickly
Focus on building around franchise QB Caleb Williams

What's Next for the Players?

Neither Bell nor Williamson received practice squad offers from Chicago, and their unclaimed waiver status suggests league-wide skepticism about their NFL readiness. Possible paths include:

XFL/USFL opportunities to develop game tape
Private position-specific training camps
Transition to coaching/scouting roles

Key Takeaways

This roster move underscores the brutal efficiency of NFL roster construction. While seventh-round picks carry low expectations, the Bears' quick cuts demonstrate their accelerated timeline to contention and refined evaluation process under Poles' leadership.