Kevin Byard. Tremaine Edmunds. Andrew Billings.
What do all three of these Chicago Bears defensive starters have in common?
Well, aside from the fact that all three may not return to the team in 2026, another common thread is that Chicago could afford to get a whole lot faster at their respective positions.
Speaking at the NFL Combine, Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed the Bears' strategy when looking at defensive line prospects in this year's class. His answer, although initially about the defensive line, ultimately applied to the entire unit.
"I want to improve our defensive speed overall.”
And not a single Bears fan disagrees with that sentiment, because there were certainly times last year (and further back) where the three players above were caught behind much faster offensive playmakers.
If you don't remember, Packers wideout Christian Watson could job your memory a bit.
Ryan Poles and the Bears will be paying close attention to speed and agility drills
There is no telling just how the Bears' defense will shake out this offseason, but we could see the likes of Byard, Edmunds, and Billings all head to different homes in one way or another. Whether it be free agency or as a cap casualty, they aren't the only ones.
Dennis Allen's defense has to get faster. And, as Poles put it, that's what they're looking for in prospects this week during the combine.
If we are looking at pure speed, maybe Poles takes a gander at a couple of defensive backs who might be in the conversation to break a 40-yard dash record: Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson or Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds.
But, beyond the 40-yard times, Poles and his staff will be looking at all of the agility drills. How are the defensive linemen moving in short areas? How quickly can they get off the line of scrimmage? In addition to speed and agility up front, though, Poles had this to say about what he's looking for in defensive line prospects:
“Motor, relentlessness, violence, explosiveness.”
That sounds like a winning formula, especially in Chicago. The Bears' defense has lacked those violent, relentless playmakers up front. They don't have a guy, whether it be inside or on the edge, who fits that mold.
At times, Montez Sweat has shown up in big moments. But this unit truly does not have an alpha who fits those four characteristics.
Read more: Ryan Poles just hinted at a QB trade that could change Bears' draft plans
We know, by now, that the Bears' defense was bailed out by takeaways on so many occasions. Chicago led the league in takeaways with 33, but they still finished fourth-worst in terms of yards given up. It is no secret: the Bears have to get faster and more explosive at all three levels on defense.