LAKE FOREST, Ill. — With mandatory minicamp now over, the Bears will get 40 days off before reporting to training camp in Bourbonnais July 29. It’s a time for the players to get some vacation in before the long grind of the NFL season, but it’s also a time to make sure they are ready to compete when training camp begins.

Over the last four weeks at Halas Hall, the Bears held 12 practices (nine of them voluntary) and it provided a good opportunity for the players to see where they stand in the eyes of a new coaching staff. Here’s an early look at the depth chart and position battles across the roster as it stands after the offseason program:

Quarterbacks (4)

Jay Cutler remains the unquestioned starter while Jimmy Clausen, David Fales and Shane Carden compete for backup roles. Clausen has the advantage as the backup, but it will be interesting to see if Fales puts the Bears in a situation where they don’t want to lose him. Carden’s most likely destination is a practice squad, whether with the Bears or somewhere else. Pat Devlin was waived after minicamp.

Running backs (6)

Entering the final year of his contract, 29-year-old Matt Forte has a lot to play for this year. Behind him, veteran Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Jeremy Langford will compete for significant roles. Second-year back Ka’Deem Carey is still somewhat of an unknown and has an uphill battle because Langford figures to be a better special teamer. The team also signed Daniel Thomas after he tried out during minicamp, while Senorise Perry rounds out the group of running backs.

Wide receivers (11)

Four wideouts clearly stand out among the rest and barring injuries, Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, Kevin White and Marquess Wilson should be the top four guys. White’s progress during training camp will be interesting to watch, especially after he missed minicamp with an undisclosed injury (he’s expected to be ready for training camp).

After the top four, Josh Bellamy, Marc Mariani, John Chiles, Rashad Lawrence, Cameron Meredith, Levi Norwood and Ify Umodu will compete for the final roster spots/practice squad roles. Mariani and Norwood might have an interesting competition between the two as punt/kick returners.

Tight ends (7)

Assuming he’s still on the roster and shows up when training camp starts, Pro Bowler Martellus Bennett is far and away the best option at the position. The Bears still need him badly but so far have shown no interest in giving him a raise with two years left on his current deal. The rest of the unit could be up for grabs as Bear Pascoe, Dante Rosario, Zach Miller, Blake Annen, Brian Vogler and Chris Pantale all compete. Combined, all six of those guys have fewer career receptions (201) than Bennett (295).

Offensive linemen (15)

If healthy, there’s a good chance the starting offensive line consists of left tackle Jermon Bushrod, left guard Matt Slauson, center Will Montgomery, right guard Kyle Long and right tackle Jordan Mills. However, if Mills struggles in training camp, the Bears might not hesitate to move veteran Vladimir Ducasse in at right guard and slide Long over to right tackle. Also, keep an eye on third round draft pick Hroniss Grasu who could push Montgomery at center.

Elsewhere, Charles Leno, Jr., Michael Ola and rookie Tayo Fabuluje figure to have the best shot to stick as reserves, while Ryan Groy, Jason Weaver, Chad Hamilton, Conor Bofeli and Cameron Jefferson have a tough battle ahead.

Defensive tackles (9)

On his depth charts in San Francisco, all of Vic Fangio’s defensive linemen were listed as tackles, so that’s something to get used to this summer. He’ll likely have most of these guys playing multiple techniques along the line, but Ego Ferguson, Jeremiah Ratliff and rookie Eddie Goldman are the most likely candidates to lineup at nose tackle. Honestly, if all three of those guys have great training camps, they could be the three starters across the line with Goldman in the middle and Ratliff and Ferguson on the ends.

Losing Ray McDonald put the Bears in a bit of bind, mainly because he was pretty much a lock to line up at left end and play strong against the run. With his departure, Jarvis Jenkins has a good chance to start, unless Ferguson and Goldman make big pushes. Will Sutton and Cornelius Washington remain wild cards, as it’s hard to see how they fit in this system. Brandon Dunn and Terry Williams are two young players to keep an eye on as a potential nose tackles, while Olsen Pierre rounds out the group.

Outside linebackers (7)

Free agent prize Pernell McPhee is a lock to start, while the rest of the unit depends on the health of Lamarr Houston (ACL) and Willie Young (torn Achilles). Houston could return in time for camp, but it would be a surprise if Young is ready by July 29. In the meantime, veteran Sam Acho knows the position well and has been working with the first-team during offseason workouts. Jared Allen will still get plenty of playing time, but he could be limited to passing-down sub-packages where he can put his hand on the ground and play his familiar position. David Bass has transitioned well to outside linebacker, but he has a battle ahead of him considering the names in front of him on the depth chart. Kyle Woestmann rounds out the position group.

Inside linebackers (8)

Somewhat surprisingly, Shea McClellin and Christian Jones got the bulk of the work with the first-team during OTAs and minicamp despite the free agent signing of veteran Mason Foster. That could just be a smokescreen, but this will be a hot position battle during the preseason, especially once Jon Bostic returns. Bostic missed the entire offseason program with a back injury, but Fox said he’s “projected” to be ready for camp. The rest of the group includes Jonathan Brown, DeDe Lattimore, Jonathan Anderson and John Timu.

Cornerbacks (11)

Second-year corner Kyle Fuller is probably the only lock at the position, while five other players (Tim Jennings, Alan Ball, Sherrick McManis, Tracy Porter and Al Louis-Jean) have stood out among the rest competing at the position. They all could potentially make the team. Demontre Hurst, Jacoby Glenn, Bryce Callahan, Terrance Mitchell and Qumain Black are also on the roster.

Safeties (7)

Antrel Rolle figures to be a starter, while Ryan Mundy and second-year safety Brock Vereen compete for the other spot. All three should see playing time. Don’t rule out fifth-round pick Adrian Amos making a push either, while Sherrod Martin, Malcolm Bronson and Anthony Jefferson round out the defensive roster.

Special teamers (4)

Robbie Gould and Pat O’Donnell will remain the kicker and punter, respectively, while Thomas Gafford and Rick Lovato compete to be the long snapper.

As for the return game, this could be wide open, but Mariani and Norwood are expected to be two of the key players in the competition. Mariani was reliable, but not necessarily explosive as a returner for the Bears last season, while Norwood comes in as an undrafted free agent who returned kicks and punts at Baylor. Otherwise, Kyle Fuller and Eddie Royal both received looks as returners during the offseason program, but that may have just been an experiment.

We’ll know much more once training camp opens in Bourbonnais, Ill. July 29. It’s only 40 days away.

Adam Hoge covers the Chicago Bears for WGN Radio and WGNRadio.com. He also co-hosts The Beat, weekends on 720 WGN. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.