The Chicago Bears are closely examining their roster and seeking methods to make improvements as the NFL Scouting Combine draws near. With the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears are in a unique position to reshape their team and build for the future. Head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles are working diligently to evaluate both their current players and potential draftees, with a particular focus on addressing their offensive and defensive needs.
The Combine, one of the most crucial events in the NFL pre-draft process, offers the Bears an opportunity to assess prospects up close. This event allows scouts, coaches, and executives to gauge players’ physical traits, athleticism, and mental makeup through drills, interviews, and medical evaluations. For a team like the Bears, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase and looking to create a competitive roster around young quarterback Justin Fields, this is a pivotal moment to assess potential talent that can make an immediate impact.
Areas of Focus for the Bears
The Bears are entering a critical offseason, with several key areas needing attention. Among the top priorities are strengthening the offensive line, bolstering the defensive front, and adding more weapons to the passing game. The team is also exploring ways to improve its tight end and wide receiver groups to help Justin Fields develop further as a passer. The Combine will give the Bears an opportunity to evaluate players in all of these areas, potentially making an impact on how they approach the draft and free agency.
1. Offensive Line and Protection for Justin Fields
One of the most glaring needs for the Bears has been improving their offensive line, which has struggled to provide adequate protection for Justin Fields. Fields is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to create with his legs, but for him to take the next step as a pocket passer, Chicago must provide him with better protection up front. The Bears have already made efforts to address this in the past, but more work remains.
At the Combine, the Bears will closely evaluate offensive line prospects, particularly those who can provide an immediate upgrade at tackle and guard. High-quality offensive linemen who can protect Fields’ blind side and provide better push in the run game are crucial for the Bears as they continue their offensive rebuild.
2. Pass Rush and Defensive Line Upgrades
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears also need to add more talent to their front seven, particularly in terms of pass rush. While linebacker Roquan Smith was traded during the 2022 season, the Bears’ defense still needs playmakers who can pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offenses. Chicago finished near the bottom of the league in sacks last season, and adding an elite pass rusher or defensive tackle could be the key to improving their defensive performance.
The Combine will showcase a number of edge rushers and defensive linemen who could fit into the Bears’ system. Players like Will Anderson Jr., Jalen Carter, and Tyree Wilson could be on the Bears’ radar as they look to enhance their defensive front and create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
3. Tight End and Playmaking Weapons for Justin Fields
Another major need for the Bears is at the tight end position, where they have struggled to find consistency. While Cole Kmet has shown flashes of promise, he hasn’t been the type of playmaker who can consistently stretch the field and create mismatches. Tight ends have become essential weapons in modern offenses, and the Bears’ lack of a dynamic pass-catching tight end has limited their ability to balance their offense.
Adding a versatile tight end who can block effectively and contribute in the passing game would be a significant boost. The Combine will feature a talented group of tight ends like Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid, and Darnell Washington, who could all provide the Bears with the type of player they need to solve their tight end problem.
4. Wide Receiver Help
In addition to improving the tight end position, the Bears will also be looking to add talent at wide receiver. While Darnell Mooney showed potential, and rookie Velus Jones Jr. has room to grow, Chicago still lacks a true No. 1 receiver who can stretch the field and create separation from defenders. Adding a top-tier wideout would give Justin Fields a reliable target and further enhance the passing game.
The Combine will also be a chance to evaluate wide receiver prospects who can provide the Bears with an immediate impact. Players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, and Zay Flowers could all fit into the Bears’ system, giving Fields more weapons to work with as he continues to develop.
Draft Strategy: Assessing the Best Fit
With so many needs on both sides of the ball, the Bears will have to be strategic with their first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Combine will play a key role in helping Chicago’s front office and coaching staff determine which position and player represent the best fit for the team’s future.
Trade or Pick?
The first overall pick provides the Bears with the flexibility to either select the best available player or trade down to acquire more assets, especially if a quarterback-needy team is looking to move up. While Justin Fields is the clear starting quarterback for the Bears, Chicago has already been linked to several teams in trade discussions, as many teams at the top of the draft are in need of a quarterback. If the Bears can move down a few spots and still land a top-tier player—such as a pass rusher, offensive tackle, or tight end—it would allow them to fill more holes on the roster while also gaining valuable additional picks.
The Combine: Key to the Bears’ Decision-Making Process
As the Combine draws closer, the Bears’ decision-makers are looking for more than just physical traits. They are also looking for players who can fit their system and culture, which has a strong emphasis on discipline, toughness, and smart football. Character assessments, mental toughness, and leadership qualities will also weigh heavily in the evaluation process.
For the Bears, the Combine serves as a critical opportunity to get a better sense of the prospects they are interested in, both on and off the field. It’s an important event for finalizing their draft board and preparing for a successful offseason. Whether the Bears trade the first overall pick or keep it, their success will depend on how well they address their roster gaps with the best possible talent.