The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine concludes Sunday with the offensive linemen finishing up the on-field drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Chicago Bears have some work to do in the trenches, regardless of who starts at quarterback next season, so Ryan Poles and company will undoubtedly be looking for starters and reserves alike in this year's class.
Specifically, the Bears could use more depth all across the line, as well as a likely starter at center or guard and potentially even a premium upgrade at the left tackle position. Fortunately, this year's offensive tackle class is one of the best in recent memory, and there are several interior linemen with unique skill sets and physical builds. With that said, here are five players from the final day of the NFL Combine that could help the Chicago Bears in 2024 and beyond:
2 Offensive Tackles the Chicago Bears should be watching on Sunday
Joe Alt - Notre Dame
Alt appears to be one of the most pro-ready players of this entire class, regardless of position. A two-year starter at left tackle for the Irish, Alt checks in at a monstrous 6'8", 322 lbs, and he possesses the premier skills necessary to succeed as a blindside tackle in the NFL. Alt allowed just four sacks throughout his entire career, so an NFL team should feel pretty good about picking up the Consensus All-American at the top of the draft.
The Bears seem to be okay for now at the left tackle position, with Braxton Jones slated to return for 2024. However, adding Alt would solidify the bookend tackle positions for years to come, and it would be a massive favor for whoever the team's starting quarterback is next season. Again, the Bears seem comfortable with Jones, but if any prospect could move the team off that plan, it could only be Alt.
Matt Goncalves - Pittsburgh
Measuring in at 6'6", 332 lbs, Goncalves is a big, physical tackle with experience on both ends. In 2021, Goncalves made five starts at right tackle for Pitt and then added eight more starts in 2022 while also starting five games at the left tackle position. In 2023 he was named a captain and made three starts at left tackle before sustaining a season-ending lower-body injury.
Goncalves's medical history will be a factor in his scouting, but assuming it is a non-issue, the Pitt veteran remains an interesting option as a potential backup swing tackle for the Bears. With a lot to like in terms of versatility, experience, and size, Goncalves could develop into a dependable player, although he will have to get a little bit better against speed rushers, which often comes down to technique and footwork.