The Bears possess three of the first 41 draft selections in this coming draft, and expectations would be that each of those three players would be potential starters/contributors in 2025. So, where are the biggest needs on this roster as currently constituted?
(1) Edge Rusher. The Bears simply don’t have enough pressure on this roster. They have strengthened their defensive line with the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, allowing Andrew Billings to log fewer miles and Gervon Dexter to slide into a more natural role. But their edge rotation is still severely lacking. But will a player to fill this role be available at their three selections?
(2) Corner. It is a position simply not discussed enough on the whole of social media. The Bears have one top shelf corner. That’s it. Tyrique Stevenson is a temperamental liability. Kyler Gordon is solid, if unspectacular, in the slot. (I’ll be fascinated to see Gordon in Dennis Allen’s scheme.) The Bears don’t need corner depth. They need someone to line up opposite Jaylon Johnson every Sunday.
What could be third? I think Braxton Jones will be much improved with Joe Thuney at his side. I think the improved offensive line and play calling will lead to a more productive backfield. So, where is a starter required?
(3) Wide Receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus can play. Call me crazy but I think Tyler Scott has value. But we are seeing, every year, wide receivers from throughout the draft make immediately contributions in the sport. The Bears can target that position with one of these picks and not only find a starter, but a star. I have a mantra for roster building in this league: Always Be Adding Weapons (ABAW).