The Chicago Bears have started to fill holes in free agency, but anyone who saw their roster knew that it would take more than free agency to fix everything on this roster. Now that the big spending is out of the way the names that are added can fill holes, but may not be big fixes.
So, what positions do they need to keep chipping away at, and now that the first phase of free agency is over, what are the biggest areas of focus in the 2023 NFL draft?
3. Chicago Bears need a right tackle
We know that this is a need on the Chicago Bears' radar because the team was showing real interest in Mike McGlinchey. Reports were that the team was in a bidding war, and the Denver Broncos just so happened to go above and beyond and top what the Bears were comfortable paying. The team thought if that they were going to spend that much, they were better off with Tremaine Edmunds, who is not a right tackle but is a better player.
So, the need remains. There is talk that Teven Jenkins may shift to tackle, but Ryan Poles made it sound more like Cody Whitehair would play center, and Nate Davis would play left guard. If those spots are filled, then the obvious attention shifts to right tackle.
At pick nine there may be a few left tackle options. Do the Bears ask Braxton Jones to move after his impressive season as a rookie? The draft would make more sense than signing an older tackle to push Jones to a new side. If they do not address this in the top 10, will they be able to fill it in the second round? Most instant starters will be gone in the top 50 picks. It will be interesting to see how the Chicago Bears address this.
2. Chicago Bears still do not have their future 3T
One of the themes of last season was the three-technique. Matt Eberflus went from the Colts, where he talked about DeForest Buckner and his impact from that role. Then, they tried to sign Larry Ogunjobi. They pivoted to Justin Jones but still showed serious interest in Logan Hall, who went before the Bears got to pick.
it was obvious they wanted to fill this spot. That is why so many people pinned Dre'Mont Jones to the Chicago Bears. That did not happen, and it was interesting to see that once they missed on Jones, they added DeMarcus Walker.
Still, they do not appear to have their answer. At pick nine the obvious thought is Jalen Carter. Does he fall, and do the Chicago Bears even have interest? It is wild to think this is a discussion when a month ago he may have been most likely to be number one on their board.
If they wait, can Adetomiwa Adebawore fall to them, or do they have any other potential options here? You know they want to do something to beef up the interior with a strong pass rusher.
1. Chicago Bears need edger rushers
This has shot up the most pressing need. The Chicago Bears added DeMarcus Walker, but one of the best attributes he brings is versatility. He almost checks a small box at three-technique and edge rusher, but it still sets up bigger needs.
Even with Walker the depth chart is Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson as two and three behind him. That is nothing to write home about at all.
If the Chicago Bears add a free agent or two, it should be this spot. Gipson and Robinson could be fine as backups, but they should not be given those roles without any competition. They need one more big starter to ensure they are both depth as well.
So, a free agent or two, a draft pick or two, and that is all they need. This may be a spot that they do not fill with a big name, but rather spend two mid-round picks, and two free-agent names, and let the best shake out. If there is anywhere they have to add, it is outside edge rushers. Yes, plural.