Chicago Bears Mailbag: Pre-NFL Draft Edition

4. Roster holes to address in the NFL Draft

With Aaron Lynch back for 2019, the Bears don’t have to worry about drafting another outside linebacker, so that’s a major need that’s off the list. However, there are still a few holes on the Bears roster that can be addressed in the NFL Draft. As of right now, it’d be wise to keep an eye on running back, safety, offensive line depth, and kicker.

Each of these are needs the Bears have a chance to address in the draft for multiple reasons. At the running back position, Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis won’t be sufficient enough to carry the load. This means that finding a rookie is going to be crucial to the Bears success in the running game in 2019.

At the safety position, the Bears brought in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on a one-year deal. He’s a guy who when healthy and used the right way, has the ability to be one of the better safeties in the NFL. While he is merely a stopgap solution, the Bears need to have a replacement lined up for beyond 2019. Names to consider are Darnell Savage, Taylor Rapp, and Amani Hooker. All three are realistic day two targets for the Bears.

The Bears would also benefit by adding offensive line depth too. One player who is worth keeping an eye on is Notre Dame offensive lineman Alex Bars. He’s familiar with Bears offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, who worked at Notre Dame prior to joining the Bears in 2018. At this point, Bars would likely be available in the seventh round for the Bears.

Kicker is a position that most Bears fans seem concerned with this offseason. While the team has brought in Redford Jones and Chris Blewitt, the team still needs to add competition. Two names to keep an eye on are Matt Gay (Utah) and Cole Tracy (LSU). Both are expected to be available in the seventh round.

If the Bears do not draft a kicker, one thing to do is follow the pattern of teams like the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, both of whom have signed Wil Lutz and Aldrick Rosas. Both were previously undrafted free agents and have been successful in the NFL so far.

Overall, while the Bears have one of the more complete rosters in the NFL, there are some positions that could benefit by adding a new wave of talent. Whether it is via the draft or the undrafted free agent pool, the Bears have a chance to find some significant contributors or hidden gems.