The Chicago Bears have been busy adding upgrades on offense and filling a few holes on defense during the 2024 NFL free agency period, but general manager Ryan Poles still has several needs remaining on his roster that he’ll look to fill in this April’s NFL Draft.
The Bears will begin draft weekend with only four picks, and while there’s a chance Poles will acquire more selections via trade, he said at the NFL owners meeting on Monday that he’s not concerned with the number of picks Chicago has this year. He noted that counting this year’s four picks, the Bears will have made 24 selections over his three drafts. That’s an average of eight per year, putting them ahead of the normal draft class allotment of seven per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the top four Chicago Bears four biggest roster needs as the 2024 NFL Draft inches closer.
MORE: Sporting News Post-Free Agency 2024 NFL Mock Draft
(A quick side note: quarterback isn’t included in this list because, well, that Caleb Williams guy).
Edge Rusher
This one’s easy. Edge rusher overtook wide receiver as the Bears’ biggest need after Chicago traded for veteran Keenan Allen. The roster is currently void of a quality starter opposite Montez Sweat, and there’s a chance Poles will have his choice of this year’s top pass rushers at the ninth overall pick.
Wide Receiver
It’s great to have two elite wide receivers in the starting lineup; it’d be even greater if the Chicago Bears could add a third. There are three top-tier wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft (Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malike Nabers), and there’s a chance one of them will be on the board at No. 9 overall. If that happens, Poles will sprint to the podium and fill a need with an absolute luxury. It’s like saying you need a car to get to work every day, and you’re gifted a Ferrari.
Interior Defensive Lineman
The Bears invested a second-round pick in Gervon Dexter and a third-round pick in Zacch Pickens last year. While Dexter showed promise as a potential long-term three-tech, Chicago should look to add competition through the draft. Florida State’s Braden Fiske would be an ideal selection, but it’s unlikely he’ll slide to No. 75 overall (the Bears’ next selection after No. 9).
Center
It’s amazing what a few weeks can do for a position group. The Chicago Bears began the offseason with center as their top need, but after trading for Ryan Bates and signing Coleman Shelton in free agency, there’s a chance Poles could go the entire 2024 draft without selecting one. Shelton is young enough (28) to earn a multi-year contract extension if he plays well in 2024, but the Bears should consider adding a rookie backup at some point.
