Ryan Poles needs to add to offensive line for 2023

David Banks - USA Today Sports

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Mon Apr 03 17:00:24 GMT-04:00 2023

The Chicago Bears are coming off of a disappointing season with the worst record in the NFL.

One area that was particularly problematic for the Bears was their offensive line. With Ryan Poles now serving as the new and bold general manager, there are questions as to whether or not he sees the offensive line as a focus for the team.

While it's possible that Poles doesn't see the offensive line as a huge need, it's important to note that there was work to be done on both sides of the line, as mentioned at the owner's meeting.

The Bears' offensive line struggled in several areas last season, including pass protection and run blocking. Additionally, injuries and out-of-position play hindered the effectiveness of the line.

With that in mind, it's difficult to argue that the Bears don't need to address their offensive line this off-season. While Braxton Jones, Nate Davis, and Tevin Jenkins are promising young players, it's clear that the team needs more depth and talent at the position. Cody Whitehair is a solid starter, but the team could still benefit from an upgrade at left guard.

One possibility for the Bears is to add some late-round picks in the draft and focus on defensive positions.

However, it's important to not neglect the offensive line entirely. If the team can find value in late-round offensive linemen, that's great. But it's also important to consider using higher picks on the offensive line if the right player is available at No. 9 overall.

Ultimately, the goal should be to leave the draft with at least one starter on the offensive line, as well as depth at the position. The team also needs to ensure that the players they draft are able to stay healthy and play at a high level. If Poles and the Bears can accomplish these goals, it would be a major step in the right direction for the team.

In conclusion, while there are certainly other areas of need for the Bears this offseason, such as the defensive line and defensive backs, it's important to not overlook the offensive line.