The Chicago Bears entered the free agency period with a clear mission: to strengthen the offensive line surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season, and to enhance their defensive lineup. The team has undertaken significant changes to achieve these objectives, including a complete overhaul of the interior offensive line and key additions to their defensive roster. As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, the Bears hold seven draft picks, starting with the 10th overall selection.
Revamping the Offensive Line
A major focus for the Bears in free agency has been to improve pass protection, an area that proved problematic in Williams' first year. To address this, Chicago has revamped the interior of their offensive line, bringing in three new starters: Joe Thuney at left guard, Drew Dalman at center, and Jonah Jackson at right guard. These strategic acquisitions aim to provide better protection for Williams and improve the overall efficiency of the offensive unit.
Braxton Jones, who has been a staple at left tackle for the last three seasons, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. His experience and performance will be crucial as the team integrates its new linemen. The Bears' rushing attack, which ranked No. 6 and No. 5 in the NFL in 2022 and 2023 respectively, is expected to benefit from these changes as well.
Defensive Enhancements
On the defensive side, the Bears have made significant moves to bolster a unit that struggled with pass rush efficiency last season. Chicago added Dayo Odeyingbo, a promising defensive lineman known for his age and positional flexibility. This addition is seen as an upgrade for a defense that ranked 24th in pass rush win rate at 36.5%.
Further strengthening the interior defensive line, the Bears signed veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. His ability to generate pressure from the inside is expected to complement the team's edge rushers effectively. General Manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of having a strong pass rush, stating:
"You want to have waves of pass rushers." – Ryan Poles
With these improvements, Chicago aims to enhance their defensive capabilities significantly.
Draft Strategy and Future Considerations
Looking ahead to the NFL draft, the Bears have several options with their seven picks, including the 10th overall selection. ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has projected two potential tackle prospects for Chicago in his initial mock drafts: LSU's Will Campbell and Ohio State's Josh Simmons. These prospects could further solidify the offensive line if selected.
Despite these projections, the Bears may not feel obliged to use their first-round pick on an immediate starter, given their current roster improvements. The draft's first round appears to be particularly strong in defensive talent, which aligns with Chicago's recent focus on enhancing their defensive line.
Additionally, the team recognizes the need to add depth at the tight end position behind Cole Kmet. In 2024, Kmet's usage decreased as the offense did not prioritize tight ends in their passing game. With evolving offensive strategies across the league, such as Detroit's effective use of 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 WR, 2 TE) at a high rate, Chicago may look to adapt similarly.
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