What the Chicago Bears have been scouting and what it means

I am still putting together my complete annual list of who the Chicago Bears are scouting. At this point, it is complete lying season, but who the Chicago Bears have been rumored to have talked to and who is brought in for a visit is essential when trying to see the plan for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Not only just the draft but how the Bears front office views building their team. Does a team want to win in the trenches? Do they believe in offensive talent over defense? Does the team value special teams? Do they prefer to draft and develop? These questions can be answered by following who the Chicago Bears are scouting.

A look at what appears to be the Chicago Bears plan

Currently, the Chicago Bears have scouted 22 wide receivers. That is the most looked at position group by the Bears. And it should be with the thin receivers room. Next, surprisingly goes to the defensive side of the ball. The Chicago Bears have scouted 16 linebackers, 16 cornerbacks, and 16 defensive ends. One would think that the offensive tackle or guard position would have been heavily scouted.

At this point, I have counted 11 offensive tackles and six guards. There could be more movement for the guard position with Ryan Bates returning to the Buffalo Bills. Notice how when Larry Ogunjobi wasn’t officially signed, the Bears had a backup plan in Justin Jones.

Was it that the Chicago Bears didn’t have a backup plan for Ryan Bates, or do they feel comfortable with their depth at the guard position? Try not to confuse Dakota Dozier, who was signed on March 23rd to a one-year deal, and Ryan Bates, who signed his offer sheet from the Chicago Bears on March 24th.

Those were two different signings. Follow the money and follow the prospects. Six guards are the same number of quarterbacks the Bears have scouted. The curious thing is still the number of defensive players the Chicago Bears have scouted — 10 defensive tackles, 16 defensive ends, and 16 linebackers. The Bears have a clear picture of wanting to get Roquan Smith’s partner or replacement (likely partner), Robert Quinn or Khalil Mack’s replacement, and a cornerback.

Stay tuned for my defensive-based mock draft. I am not suggesting this is how I would do things, but potentially how things could fall. After all, Matt Eberflus is still the head coach. He is a defensive mind in an offensive league. Eberflus could be wanting his version of a nickel cornerback, defensive tackle (3-tech), and weak-side pass rusher.