5 questions that will determine the Bears 2023 NFL Draft approach
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Question No. 4: Is there enough at edge to get by in 2023?
The Chicago Bears struggled so much as a whole last season that it wouldn’t be fair to single out an individual unit. But if we’re in the business of naming names, it’s hard to overlook the struggles Chicago had up front, specifically at defensive end.
Chicago struggled so mightily to generate pressures and quarterback hits, rookie safety Jaquan Brisker manager to lead the team in sacks with a modest 3.5. This highlighted how weak the Bears' edge defenders had become after trading away both Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack.
To the surprise of many, the Bears have invested little into the position. Other than signing former Titan Demarcus Walker to a three-year deal, the outside of the front seven has been left mostly untouched.
This has led many to believe Chicago could be targeting a premier edge rusher in this upcoming draft. Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness and Clemson’s Myles Murphy are just a couple of names that have been thrown around at the ninth spot.
Defensive end is far too valuable of a position to leave neglected in this day and age. Regardless of scheme, getting to the passer is a prerequisite for a high-level defense. The Bears haven’t appeared to do much to fix that thus far. The question is why. Is it because they plan on taking an edge early in the draft, or is it because they believe the addition of Walker and the development of younger players like Dominique Robinson will be enough to get by for a season?