With Daron Payne no longer an option for the Chicago Bears this offseason, the team will need to look elsewhere when attempting to fill their void at the 3-technique. Matt Eberflus has not shied away from telling anyone who listens or asks just how important the 3-technique is to his defense. If only the Bears could bring back a prime Tommie Harris. That is obviously not a possibility, the team will need to find a viable option in either free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft.
While at the 2023 NFL Combine, Matt Eberflus told reporters that his ideal defensive linemen should be "big, long and fast" according to Carmen Vitali. If we look at DeForest Buckner, who played under Eberflus with the Indianapolis Colts, that's exactly what he is as a player. Buckner is 6'7" and disruptive off the ball and in the backfield. Nothing against Justin Jones, who I believe should be on the roster in 2023, but he does not fit that mold. Jones is only 6'3" and 310 pounds. He is relatively quick, but not fast enough to be an every-down force like Buckner.
The Chicago Bears are looking for big, long and fast defensive linemen
If we look at who is available via free agency, this would give us some inside intel on who Ryan Poles may be looking to add. The three top guys left who I like in free agency, not accounting for any players who may become salary cap casualties, do not all fit the mold Matt Eberflus mentioned. In fact, I think it's safe to say it completely rules one of them out as an option this offseason.
Which free agent defensive tackles could the Chicago Bears be linked?
Javon Hargrave
Javon Hargrave looks more like the Justin Jones type, although he has proven to be a much better player both vs the pass and the run. His age could also be against him at 30 years old. I wouldn't rule Hargrave out, but he doesn't exactly fit the mold Eberflus spoke about.
Dre'Mont Jones
If we look at Dre'Mont Jones, he fits the mold that Eberflus spoke about more closely. He is only an inch taller than Hargrave at 6'3" but he's also leaner at 285 pounds. Jones was my top target behind Daron Payne because of his athleticism and the fact he is only 26.
Poona Ford
I think we can rule Poona Ford out though. He isn't even 6'0" tall. He was another option I thought Ryan Poles could consider, but now I am not so sure. He has the versatility to play both the nose tackle and the 3-technique. He just doesn't fit the mold Eberflus alluded to in his press conference today.
It should be known that Daron Payne is only 6'3" and 320 pounds. I don't think Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus would write him off if he became available. Eberflus' response to the question was not specific to the defensive tackle position, but the defensive line as a whole. Not many three-techniques stand 6'7" like DeForest Buckner. In fact, the draft has one of the most coveted defensive tackle prospects in recent years and he is only 6'3" as well. Who else in the draft could be an option?
Who in the 2023 NFL Draft could the Chicago Bears add at DT?
If we look at the 2023 NFL Draft, there are not many top prospects who fit the true size of a DeForest Buckner, but with the athleticism and speed some of these players provide, the height can be overlooked. Plus, some shorter guys have really long arms that give them the length Matt Eberflus is looking for in a defensive end.
Jalen Carter
That's right, Jalen Carter fits the Daron Payne mold at 6'3" and 310 pounds. He is very quick off the ball though and his speed and strength will give him that edge that Matt Eberflus is looking for on this Chicago Bears defensive line. Carter has to be considered a top option for the Bears should they remain in the top five.
Bryan Bresee
Could the Chicago Bears be giving things away and willing to trade back more than once, even if it puts them outside of the top five or even the top 10? Bryan Bresee stands 6'5" and weighs 300 pounds. He is exactly the type of mold that Eberflus mentions in his presser today. When healthy, Bresee has proven to be a force too. His health is the wild card on where he lands in the first round.
Keion White
A name I keep throwing out there who could potentially fit the mold of a down defensive end or could even move inside to the 3-technique is Keion White. White's draft stock has been on the rise though and I don't think you can get him outside of the first round. The only way this works is if the Chicago Bears trade back twice, once being into the mid-to-late first round, or they trade back up into the first should White fall. Plus, it also means they see White as more of a 3-technique than a defensive end. The other option of course is White could be drafted as an end since both are a need for the Bears.