No one can any longer dispute Bears' biggest need going into NFL Combine

The NFL Combine promises to have a ton of talent to monitor, with Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson on hand to watch the action.

There are several positions the Bears need to address in the offseason, but one has become clear to everyone: defensive line. CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards agreed with that assessment as he named the one position each NFL team must address going into the NFL Combine, and the defensive line was the Bears'.

"It seems most likely that Chicago will allow Ozzy Trapilo a full offseason to adjust to his role at left tackle, but that could be a sneaky position to watch for the Bears in the first round. Ben Johnson will have more intel on Trapilo's comfort on the left side than anyone. Wide receiver or a guard to eventually replace Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson could also be on the table.

Those are more questions than outright concerns, though. The defensive line is a concern. Chicago allowed the fourth-most yards before contact (1.89) in 2025, per TruMedia. An impactful pass rusher would take the defense to another level as well."

Bears know they have to address the defensive line

35 sacks last season for the Bears is about as rough as it gets. Almost half of those came from just two people on the team: Montez Sweat (10) and Gervon Dexter (six).

Austin Booker showed a lot of promise last year with 4.5 sacks in 10 games, but he missed almost the first half of the season with an injury. The Bears need more stability on the defensive line, with edge rusher being the biggest need.

At tackle, Dexter has played well, but Grady Jarrett was their big free agent signing last offseason, and he didn't do much of anything. While Jarrett is a great leader for that defense, his play has not backed up the three-year, over $40 million deal he is getting.

There will be other positions the Bears need to monitor, but it will mostly be on defense, with really all three levels needing help. The only position on offense that might get a look is offensive tackle, with Trapilo going to be out for the first half of the 2026 season.

Wide receiver hasn't been discussed much at all, given that they have Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and DJ Moore on the roster. The only way that becomes a position to watch for is if Moore gets traded in the offseason.

No matter what happens, though, the two sets of eyes with Johnson and Poles must be first and foremost focused on the defensive line.