Ryan Poles still looking to improve their pass rush depth

Ariana Pensy - Correspondent - 12 hours ago

CHICAGO - General manager Ryan Poles has dedicated a lot of time to improving Chicago’s offensive line as shown by his trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and the free agent signing of center Drew Dalman.

Dalman received a three-year, $42 million contract with a cap hit of $13.64 million this season.

“He was definitely someone that was at the very top of our list. We knew how important that was going to be. What makes you even more convicted and allows us to be aggressive and going to get a player in free agency is when we have alignment. So, having (offensive line coach) Dan (Roushar) and (assistant offensive line coach) Kyle (Devan) and (Head) Coach (Ben Johnson) lined up with a vision and fit in the role, we felt really good about being aggressive to get Drew here,” Poles said. “His ability to reach, cut off, work in the outside zone scheme, get to the second level as well as be really a good partner inside to the guards in pass pro. His addition along with Joe and Jonah is really going to make the interior of our offensive line strong. So, we’re excited about that.”

In addition to signing defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, the Bears also picked up defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo.

While his numbers do not jump out at you as he only has 16.5 in his four seasons in the NFL, Poles argued that Odeyingbo’s talent immediately jumps out when watching the tape.

“If you watch the tape, you understand how disruptive he can be and again, both inside and outside and I also believe he’s 25. He’s played a few years in the league … We believe that there’s even more room to grow for him to continue to get better. I think it’s really cool he gets to come here and play for Jeremy, our defensive line coach. They worked together while they were at Vanderbilt as well,” Odeyingbo said. “His ability to play the run and rush the passer from different locations, outside (and) inside, is going to make our defensive line even better.”

Despite the additions of Jarrett and Odeyingbo, Poles left the door open to adding more help on the defensive line.

Given Chicago did not have a single player with at least six sacks, they could use the additional depth.

“You can’t have enough pass rushers,” Poles said. “We’re always looking to add and improve that group. But, I feel good about where we are today.”

This year, the NFL Draft is rich with defensive end talent.

Furthermore, the Bears are sitting with four day-three draft selections - one fourth round pick, a fifth round pick and two seventh round picks. Thus, Poles could easily elect to use one of those picks on another pass rusher.

There are also still some free agent options available if Poles and the Bears choose to sign another free agent. Seasoned veterans Von Miller, Matthew Judon, Za’Darius Smith and C.J. Mosley are all still available. However, all of them are over 30 years old.

Nonetheless, each of these players can positively influence a defense. Smith specifically is very familiar with the NFC North as he has previously played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. Thus, he could be an option if Chicago opts to sign another veteran.