Updating the Chicago Bears’ three biggest (pre-draft) needs

Edge Rusher

Re-signing Lynch pushed this to the backburner somewhat, but edge is still worth a look for the Chicago Bears.

Pass-rushers fall into the same category as cornerback and offensive line: you can never have enough of them.

The Chicago Bears have the best edge defender in football in Mack and a finally emerging star in Floyd. So star power is not an issue for Chicago at this position group.

Depth and consistency are, however.

Take away Mack and Floyd, and you have Lynch, Isaiah Irving and Kylie Fitts. Lynch is serviceable but also struggles with injuries. Irving flashed last year when given opportunities late, but we just haven’t seen it enough yet. Fitts, on the other hand, just didn’t look that good (though that could just be inexperience).

This year’s edge class, unfortunately, isn’t great outside of the upper echelon options (e.g. Nick Bosa, Josh Allen). That combined with the Bears’ top-line starting talent means there are really no “plug and play” guys in this group.

In terms of longer-term projects, though, a guy like Alabama’s Christian Miller jumps out as a possible early Day 3 selection.

He reminds somewhat of Leonard Floyd in terms of build: lanky and without a ton of brute strength. But he has go-go-gadget arms (over 35 inches) and has some explosive athletic ability as a raw pass rusher.

Miller would be a great situational guy with room for development as an every-down player that can hold the edge.

A later option with arguably even more upside is Oregon’s Justin Hollins.

Hollins has ideal edge height at 6-foot-5 and plays with a smoothness you don’t always see from guys that size. Like Miller (and most other edges in this class), he needs to hit the weight room and develop his pass rush moves. But he could turn into something interesting on a team that can coach him up properly.

As mentioned before, the Bears also could stand to add another interior offensive lineman because…why not? That would also provide a little future competition for Kyle Long’s (possible) eventual replacement.

It’s also worth looking into drafting a safety that could push to join Jackson next year in the starting lineup with Clinton-Dix’s and Deon Bush’s contracts are up.

Again, the Chicago Bears are in a very good place in terms of roster holes heading into the 2019 season. But finding a few more good players at key positions can’t hurt.