10 biggest Chicago Bears needs going into the NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears have some needs that are big but not as big as some of the others.

4. Defensive Tackle

Poles’ first major signing attempt was defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. Ogunjobi failed his physical and the deal was voided.

The Bears instead signed Justin Jones to play the three-technique defensive tackle position. Jones is more known for stopping the run than getting after the quarterback so he might be better suited to be the nose tackle in the 4-3 alignment.

The Chicago Bears let Bilal Nichols walk in free agency. Mario Edwards Jr, Angelo Blackson, and Khyiris Tonga are still on the roster. They are capable of playing defensive tackle but do not scream being a dominant three-technique tackle that is needed to have the 4-3 one-gap defense humming.

That is why it would not be shocking to see Poles use one of his second-round picks or the third-round pick on a defensive tackle. The Bears prioritized that position so much that they made Ogunjobi a high priority in free agency. Had Ogunjobi not failed his physical, this position would be a lower priority.

The Bears have enough to get by this season but if Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey or Texas A&M’s Demarvin Leal are on the board, Poles may take one of them. Poles could also explore taking pass rushers Houston’s Logan Hall or Kentucky’s Joshua Paschal and moving them to the three-technique. Both have the skill to be moved inside and cause more havoc than Jones.

The other reason this is a medium priority despite not having a true three-technique tackle is those game-wrecking-type tackles are usually available in the first round. Since the Chicago Bears lack a first-round pick and have three other higher priority needs, it might be better to see the Bears address defensive tackle in later rounds.

The Bears could also go the undrafted free agent route to get some depth and address the three-technique tackle next offseason. One bargain free agent name to keep an eye on is Darius Philon. He has connections to Bears’ defensive line coach Travis Smith from their days in Las Vegas.

5. Linebacker

The Chicago Bears signed Nicholas Morrow to team up with Roquan Smith in the Bears’ new three-linebacker scheme. Since the Bears will be in nickel for a majority of the defensive snaps, Morrow and Smith will be the main linebackers getting playing time.

Poles also signed Matt Adams but he is more of a special teams player than an every-down linebacker.

The main reason this is a medium priority need is Morrow was only signed to a one-year deal. Smith is also entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Chicago Bears and Smith are hoping to sign an extension.

The Bears might want to add another linebacker in the draft to add some camp competition for Morrow. It cannot hurt to have a fallback plan in case of contract negotiations break down with Smith.

Caleb Johnson flashed some potential last season so he can also be a player the Bears could take a look at it if the Bears chose to not use a draft pick at that position. He could be considered for the rarely used SAM linebacker.

If Sterling Weatherford is on the board in the fifth or sixth round, he could be a player the Bears could consider to be a hybrid safety-linebacker as well.