When you have one of the NFL’s worst offenses, there’s not just one position that’s plaguing your team. As was the case for the Chicago Bears last season, who saw questionable play from quarterback, tight ends, offensive line and even play caller.
The Bears haven’t ignored those offensive flaws this offseason, as they’ve signed tight end Jimmy Graham and offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, as well as traded for Nick Foles. They even brought in four new offensive coaches that specialize in the areas of concern on offense.
But general manager Ryan Pace isn’t done, and he faces an incredibly important NFL Draft this month, once again without a first-round pick. But Pace does have a pair of second rounders, and there are no shortage of needs on offense — or even defense.
As for what is the Bears’ biggest issue headed into the NFL Draft, Bleacher Report believes that the offensive line needs to be addressed.
However, if the Bears are going to engineer a turnaround in 2020 under either Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles, something needs to be done about an offensive line that took a substantial step backward in 2019.
In 2018, the Bears struggled in run blocking (28th per Football Outsiders) but had a top-10 line in pass protection. A year ago, the pass pro also dropped way off—from seventh in 2018 to 21st in 2019.
While the Bears did add Ifedi, who’s expected to compete with Alex Bars and Rashaad Coward for the vacant starting right guard job, Chicago’s offensive line woes run deeper than guard.
Ultimately the Bears are financially strapped to their tackles for at least another season — with Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie owed big pay days. But it wouldn’t hurt for Pace to look for a tackle for the future on an offensive line that had its share of issues last season.
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