Ranking what the Chicago Bears need to be successful in 2024 and beyond

6. Left Tackle

Many fans will put left tackle much higher on the Bears' needs list for 2024, but Braxton Jones has been playing well again this season. The fifth-round draft pick has struggled at times, but overall he has been an above-average left tackle throughout his first two seasons. Although left tackle isn't as big of a need as other positions, it is not one that Ryan Poles can overlook in the 2024 NFL Draft. With having two picks likely inside the top 12, Poles needs to consider one of Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu should the opportunity arise to select one.

Currently, I have Fashanu and Alt in my second tier of 2024 NFL Draft prospects along with Caleb Williams. Marvin Harrison, Jr. is in a tier all on his own. Nothing against Braxton Jones, but his ceiling will never be as high as either Alt's or Fashanu's ceilings. Taking a starting left tackle early means that the Chicago Bears would spend two, early first-round picks on offensive tackles in back-to-back drafts. Ryan Poles wants to build through the trenches and the draft and this is how he can do it.

If one of these two is not an option come April, then Poles needs to at least add some depth at the position. This can once again come through free agency or the draft, but the Bears cannot go into 2024 expecting Larry Borom to be the swing tackle and main backup. Darnell Wright has had a strong rookie campaign and this line can become an absolute force with just a few tweaks.