4 National defensive linemen Chicago Bears must watch at Senior Bowl
Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears must focus on rebuilding the trenches this offseason. They can look to find more help from players at today’s Senior Bowl. Finding a game-changing 3-technique and help at defensive end is a must. The Bears must also find a way to strengthen the offensive line. I don’t want to hear about how the offensive line ranked high in ESPN pass-block win-rate either. That stat is heavily flawed.
The Bears’ offensive line had more leaks in it than the Titanic. The team needs a new center and right tackle. It’s possible that they could need a new left guard should they cut Cody Whitehair and I’m not ruling out an upgrade at left tackle either.
On the defensive line, the team could use a new starter at every position. Justin Jones was serviceable, but he was not good enough. Trevis Gipson took a step back playing with his hand on the ground. Dominique Robinson showed flashes early but quickly became a liability. Al-Quadin Muhammad should be cut after his 2022 performance.
Luckily for the Chicago Bears, defensive end is a deep draft class this year. I’d expect them to draft players within the trenches early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jalen Carter and Bryan Bresee are the top options if the team wants a new 3-technique in the draft, but the drop-off at that position hits hard and fast. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus might need to get creative. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options at that position at the Senior Bowl today, but there are plenty of other defensive linemen to keep an eye on.
Chicago Bears Senior Bowl Scouting: Keion White – Georgia Tech
When we look at the defensive line groups, the National team stands out above the American team. Keion White probably has the most upside. He stands 6’4″ and weighs 280 pounds. He is a bit raw, seeing was a tight end when he started his football career. He played at Old Dominion for his first three seasons and transitioned to defensive end in his second year before transferring to Georgia Tech. He missed most of the 2021 season but finished with 7.5 sacks in 2022.
When I said that Poles and Eberflus might need to get creative, White is the player I had in mind. He has the skills to move inside and play the 3-technique. He can also continue to hold down the defensive end spot. For a man of his stature, he moves lightly on his feet. He possesses lower-body strength that will be beneficial at either position. He never seems to quit on a play.
White will need to develop a few secondary pass-rush moves to go along with his spin move if he wants to become a dominant pass-rusher in the NFL. A strong Senior Bowl performance could vault him from a Day 3 pick into a Day 2 pick.