The Chicago Bears rebuilt their defensive line extensively, and they now have some valuable components to build upon. However, the work is not over, and the team must continue to add to the roster this offseason. What would the Bears’ offensive line look like following the offseason?
For starters, the majority of their key players were acquired last offseason or during the season. Edge Rusher’s only reliable pieces are Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker. Yannick Ngakoue and Rasheem Green will depart, and Dominique Robinson was phased out following Sweat’s acquisition.
So the Bears must add two edge rushers. Walker is reliable, but he is mostly a third-down rusher who can play both inside and outside. The team would be wise to either pay a premium for a huge name or choose someone in the top ten. Then, because they love Sweat, trust Walker as depth, and plan to spend heavily on the next rusher, they can seek for a cheaper veteran or a day-three choice to fill in as a fourth edge rusher. They may even consider signing a cheap veteran and adding a day-three pick to battle for fourth place.
The Bears signed nose tackle Andrew Billings in free agency. The hope is that Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens demonstrated enough as rookies and will take the next step to make this position less of a necessity. It will depend on their feelings about Pickens.
The Chicago Bears must strengthen their defensive line this offseason.
Dexter was fine as a rookie and possessed pass-rush potential. Pickens was a disappointment, particularly in run defence. If they believe Pickens can take the next step, they only need a backup nose tackle behind Billings. That is inexpensive to fill because the position is not in high demand. If they do not trust Pickens, he will be Billings’ backup, and they will want to invest more equity in someone who can truly platoon with Dexter at three-technique.
This offseason, the team is expected to add a high-end rusher, a depth rusher, and a backup nose tackle as its most significant defensive line additions.
Leave a Reply