The Chicago Bears earned the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft fair and square, so no one can say that the roster is not in a bad position. However, while the team can add as much elite talent as possible regardless of position, it would be smart to have some direction.
They have a list of their biggest needs, and they can also dwindle down the positions of need by looking at players they trust as starters from the current roster. Which positions will the team not be adding this offseason, at least not as much as in other areas?
5. Chicago Bears have one starting spot locked in on the OL
The Chicago Bears should feel good about one spot on the offensive line, and that is right guard. The only thing that could possibly concern the team about Teven Jenkins is that he missed time late and ended up with just 11 starts this season. Still, some of those missed starts were early on when the coaching staff was not bought into him yet.
Once they trusted in him, he put together some of his best offensive line performances. Weeks 5-12 was a big enough stretch of consistent, and healthy play to say that Jenkins should be given a shot as the starter next season.
When you think that he was still working at tackle as recently as August, and you think of his stretch at guard, there has to be room for him to get better as well. When you look at his contract, he is still on his rookie deal for two more years. There should be no question about who is starting at right guard for the two years that Jenkins is around.
4. Chicago Bears do not need safeties
While the offensive line can say that one out of five players is locked in, the safety corps can feel really good about where they stand in terms of starters. Of course, that is as long as they do not release Eddie Jackson.
They could save cap space, but they already have so much, and as long as they see good medical results from Jackson, they should have no issue with his cap number. Beyond that, 2022 was his best season since his breakout year in 2018.
If this coaching staff got that out of him with no help, imagine what he could do with some names around him.
One name around him is Jaquan Brisker. The second-round pick hit a rookie wall but showed plenty before Thanksgiving that said that this is a long-term starter in the NFL. Between Brisker in year two, and Eddie Jackson signed to his extension, the team has their strong and free safety locked in. Not many positions can say that in Chicago.
Dane Cruikshank spent the year injured, and DeAndre Houston-Carson may finally get away via free agency, but they already have Elijah Hicks as a third safety. So, they may add a fourth safety, but he will be a special teams veteran or a UDFA type of athlete. Expect the team focuses on everything but safety this offseason. That is one position that does not need help.
3. Despite media reports, Chicago Bears will keep Justin Fields
The media will spin the answer in any way that they can to get a story out of it, but Ryan Poles answered all questions about the quarterback during his end-of-the-season press conference. He said that he would have to be blown away to consider a quarterback.
Now, again this is up to interpretation. However, when you say blown away we are taking Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, and Andrew Luck. Those are probably the names that anyone and everyone said yes, they should go number one at the time. They were the blown-away talents that teams would trade their quarterback for. There was no debate around these guys.
Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Will Levis are all great, but even the biggest fan of all three would say that they do not historically fit into the Lawrence, Burrow, and Luck tier of players. Bryce Young is impressive with questions about his size, Does that sound like blown away?
The Chicago Bears will not draft a quarterback, and any interest in one is due diligence ad drumming up a little interest. Justin Fields may still be a bust, we do not know for sure. However, he is going to get a full offseason to enter year two with Luke Getsy. He is going to get a full offseason with Chase Claypool. Then, they are going to add an offensive lineman and another wideout. So, the answer will be much easier to answer next year at this time.
2. Chicago Bears have bigger issues than cornerback
The Chicago Bears could probably get through this offseason without addressing cornerback. Jaylon Johnson will be in the last year of his deal, but he will still be on a contract. Beyond that, he probably deserves an extension and a chance to be one of the long-term players that Ryan Poles inherited.
Kyler Gordon had a bad rookie season, but the thought is that he can improve in year two. The staff will not give up on their first draft pick that easily, anyways. So, they need a third cornerback. However, Kindle Vildor, Jaylon Jones, and Josh Blackwell will all be back on contract.
Okay, that does not make fans feel great. However, Vildor showed in moments this season he can be a solid complimentary cornerback when given a pass rush to help him. Beyond that for UDFAs, Jaylon Jones and Josh Blackwell handled their own. Blackwell will be the backup slot cornerback and is already one of the most trusted members of the special teams unit. So, Vildor and Jones can compete to be the third cornerback in nickel looks, and the other will be the fourth. Then, Blackwell is the backup slot.
Overall, they may want to upgrade from Vildor or Jones, but they should give both a chance with a better pass rush before making that call. After next season Vildor will be due a contract, and the hope is that they will have fewer holes than they currently have. Trusting Vldor and Jones as the CB3 and CB4 allow the team to use their assets elsewhere, and if that is the case, they can roll with these two.
1. Do Chicago Bears need a running back?
If the Chicago Bears do bring back David Montgomery, they do not need a running back at all. However, even if they do not, do they really need a running back? At least, do they need one that badly? They will certainly sign someone if David Montgomery walks, but it will not be a priority addition, and they likely will be looking for the best bargain, latest pick, or even a UDFA to fill the hole.
That is what makes the Montgomery decision so tough. Yes, they want to pay him, but if they feel they can replace him in that manner, will they? No, they do not think a UDFA can just come in and do what Montgomery just did.
However, the team has Khalil Herbert. He has his flaws, and most of them come in the passing game. That is why they drafted Trestan Ebner. Ebner was in the dog house for a bit, but did dress in week 18, while Darrynton Evans did not. So, Ebner is in the plans as a passing down back. If Ebner can step up on passing downs, Herbert gets a bit more work, then they really just need a short yardage back. Again, that can be a cheap veteran or UDFA addition.
Of course, if they signed Montgomery, the top three would be him, Herbert, and Ebner. With Khari Blasingame as a free agent, they may spend more on a fullback than the replacement for Montgomery. They also will not need a running back very badly whether Montgomery stays or goes.