Chicago Bears: Updated draft needs after first wave of free agency

For the last year or so, I have been one of those in the camp of, “2022 is going to be a throwaway year, but the 2023 offseason is going to be run by the Chicago Bears.”

Ryan Poles, in his first year of being the team’s general manager, had a clear-cut plan right away. Not every fan saw it that way, however. But, Poles was going to strip this roster down to its core, essentially, and set the franchise up for an enormous offseason a year later.

Fast forward to the present, and that’s exactly what has happened. Poles went into the offseason with the league’s most cap space and the number one overall pick. So far, he’s turned that pick into a plethora of capital and a true number one wide receiver for his franchise quarterback, Justin Fields.

He’s gone on to spend wisely, but also find some incredible values in free agency. Poles has done such a great job thus far over the first wave, that the majority of outlets will tell you the Bears are one of the top winners of this period so far.

That said, after the initial craziness has died down, now the focus shifts toward the 2023 NFL Draft. With the moves made so far, where do the Bears sit in terms of their top draft needs with the big stage just a month away?

The Chicago Bears have three clear-cut roster needs after the first wave of free agency

1. Defensive Line

Last year, the Bears boasted one of the league’s worst overall units up front on defense. They couldn’t stop the run, and they couldn’t get to the quarterback. It was abysmal. So far this offseason, Poles has brought in a pair of notable names in veterans DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings.

Walker could end up starting opposite Travis Gipson, with Dominique Robinson rotating in. But, the Bears still need one more legitimate edge rusher to go with these three. Walker is more of a pass rusher, yet still fine against the run.

Meanwhile, Billings was an animal against the run last year and has been for most of his career. Poles did a great job signing two complimentary players. But, finding another strong interior lineman should be a top priority.

2. Offensive Line

After signing guard Nate Davis, it seems like the Bears are set on the interior of their line and appear ready to keep Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick and Davis as those three. But, tackle is a different story. Braxton Jones will start on the left side, but will the team really want to roll with Teven Jenkins on the right?

Unlikely.

Chicago will have to come away with a tackle within the first three rounds, so that Jenkins gets some strong competition in camp and ultimately, the team finds its starting right tackle that way.

3. Cornerback

Although a month ago one would have argued wide receiver, or maybe even running back. or linebacker, the team’s third top need lies at cornerback.

Jaylon Johnson is obviously an easy starter on the outside, but last year’s rookie Kyler Gordon looks most comfortable on the inside at slot corner. Kindle Vildor was fine in 2022, but the Bears would absolutely look better with an upgrade there reverting Vildor to a reserve role.

All in all, the roster needs aren’t nearly as pressing as they were a few weeks ago, and this year’s draft should be a heck of a lot of fun to watch from a fan’s perspective.