The Chicago Bears have done a lot to strengthen the offensive line, and all before NFL Free Agency starts next week.
The Bears acquired both Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney via trade over the past couple of days.
In adding two positions of need on the line, a lot of attention has shifted to the Bears adding Ashton Jeanty with the tenth overall pick. While that can make sense, there are still reasons the team should avoid it.
Chicago Bears should not select Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft
Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry proved how valuable an elite running back is. We also saw that a good running back in a bad environment will not work, as both improved in their situations as their play improved.
Yes, the Bears added a couple of veteran guards, but that should not take the team out of the running for continuing to address the offensive line in the NFL Draft. Jackson was benched last year and Thuney will be 33 years old. Both can help now, but the draft is about a foundation for years to come.
Beyond that, if they drafted an offensive lineman in the top ten, it would likely be a tackle. Braxton Jones is still injured and will still likely leave in free agency after this year if the Bears do not give him a solid offer. Why not take a future left tackle if he falls to 10?
Lastly, this is a team that just cut DeMarcus Walker who played 510 snaps as an edge rusher for the Bears last year. This is a Bears team that had a hole along the edge before losing Walker.
Adding a running back sounds fun, but the reality is that when you have the roster, the running back falls into place. When you try to make it happen before the roster is complete, it usually ends up poorly. The Bears do not need to microwave this rebuild. Continue to stock up on the premium positions.