Following a disappointing season on offense, the Bears have several positions they need to address this offseason. Free agency begins in less than two weeks, but they’ll also have the NFL Draft to find some young talent to contribute.
The Bears are expected to target a number of positions of need in the draft, including tight end, offensive line, quarterback, edge rusher and defensive back.
But which prospect is the best fit for Chicago? Pro Football Focus believes that’s Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson.
Thanks to the Khalil Mack trade, the Bears are once again without a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but they do have two second-round selections. Jackson makes sense as one of those picks to fill in at right guard, which was a spot manned by Rashaad Coward and his 51.7 overall grade last season. The offensive line as a whole was one of the bigger disappointments of the Bears’ season, as they ended the year ranked 25th in PFF’s final offensive line rankings. Adding Jackson in the second round would be a step in the right direction for that unit.
Jackson was PFF’s No. 2 interior offensive lineman and their 38th-ranked player overall. More than that, it’s his versatility that makes him a valuable commodity.
He’s performed well at both right guard (2018) and left guard (2019). Jackson is also one of the better pass blockers, as he’s put up a pass-protection grade of 84.4 since 2018.
When it comes to Chicago’s offensive line, they’re essentially locked up for next season, minus a vacant right guard spot. Rashaad Coward, who filled in for the injured Kyle Long last season, or Alex Bars could fill that role. But the Bears could also find their guy in the draft.
[lawrence-related id=439278,439429,439319,439346]