The Chicago Bears are in the midst of an important offseason where general manager Ryan Poles is looking to bolster the roster.
Some of those needs will be addressed in free agency, which kicks off next week, but others will be addressed in the 2024 NFL draft. The Bears have holes at edge rusher, safety, wide receiver, tight end and center.
Reports have indicated Chicago could address a good number of those in free agency, but there will be opportunities to do so in the NFL draft. But there’s one position group that stands out to Poles as the deepest in this draft class.
“”The one that stands out it to me is the tackle class,” Poles said at the NFL Scouting Combine, via CBS Sports. “The tackle class is really deep this year with a ton of talent. Young, strong, big, all the measurables that you need to play the right way.”
Tackle isn’t an immediate need for the Bears, but Poles will always look to upgrade at all positions. While Braxton Jones has been solid, there are some potential franchise left tackles that could be available for Chicago that Poles might take a chance on to pair with last year’s No. 10 pick, Darnell Wright.
The Bears only have five draft selections after agreeing to terms to acquire offensive lineman Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills. If Chicago opts to trade Justin Fields, as the team is expected to draft Caleb Williams at No. 1, that should result in additional draft capital.