Ranking the Chicago Bears 2023 offseason needs and where to fill them

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Chicago Bears – Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears need to build through the trenches and offensive line is next

I had a hard time not putting wide receiver here, which tips my hand to what is coming next. However, if you look at how the season has unfolded, if Justin Fields had more time to throw the ball and stay in the pocket, then he’d be making wide receivers like Dante Pettis and Equanimeous St. Brown look more talented.

I am lumping the offensive line together here because the Bears will need to address multiple positions. Braxton Jones has looked serviceable at left tackle, but he clearly needs to add some bulk to his frame. Too often he is getting bull-rushed into the backfield. I’d be perfectly okay with Poles thinking they need an upgrade here and just like defensive tackle, there are options in both free agency and the draft.

The offensive line might need to replace Cody Whitehair too should he become a salary cap casualty at the end of the year. Whitehair is replaceable and nothing more than an average guard. Poles shouldn’t pay him $14.1 million next season. We all know center needs to be upgraded too. Teven Jenkins is the only guy I want to be kept for certain at right guard and I’m fine if they want to keep Larry Borom at right tackle too.

Where to find them: Free Agency and Draft

Left Tackle: Free agency looks better for this position than wide receiver. At least for now. If Orlando Brown, Jr. hits free agency, he is one guy Ryan Poles has to target. Andre Dillard would be a cheaper option to bring in and compete with Braxton Jones. If Ryan Poles looks to the 2023 NFL Draft, a few names to consider in the first round include Peter Skoronski, Olumuyiwa Fashanu and Paris Johnson, Jr.

Left Guard: Mid to late rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. There are a few fillers in free agency, but Poles will need to find someone better than that in the draft to replace Cody Whitehair or continue to pay Whitehair in 2023.

Center:

Ethan Pocic is one I’d look at adding through free agency. Otherwise, I’d look to the draft once again. Centers can usually be found in the mid-to-late rounds and don’t forget they have Doug Kramer coming back in 2023.

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