Assessing The Chicago Bears’ 3 Biggest Needs Before Training Camp

2. **Defensive Tackle**

On paper, this is a position that has seen plenty of turnover. Andrew Billings and Chris Williams departed in free agency. At the same time, the Bears added three names in free agency, including Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch, while taking Georgia Tech’s Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round of last month’s draft. While one could argue that the focus was far more on scheme fit than name recognition, this is still a group that could use a difference-maker. If you’re looking beyond the upcoming season, this group has just three players (projected to make the roster) under contract for 2027, with veteran Grady Jarrett looking like a prime cut candidate next offseason. There’s plenty of room to add to the future, but with Dexter Lawrence no longer a trade option, it’s worth wondering what else is out there. There’s been some optimism that van den Berg could contribute meaningful snaps in year one, especially as a one-technique, but counting on a late-round rookie is always a tough ask. While players like Gallimore and maybe Street should add some needed pass rush, adding another run-stuffer could make some sense. Again, though, the options will be limited unless there’s a surprise cut or trade in the works. **Potential Options:** DaQuan Jones (FA), Larry Ogunjobi (FA), Greg Gaines (FA), Mario Edwards Jr. (FA), Foly Fatukasi (FA), Justin Jones (FA), and Jordan Phillips (FA).

3. **Wide Receiver**

Although shipping off DJ Moore to Buffalo made sense both financially and in terms of needed draft capital, it still left the Bears with a sizable hole at receiver. While there’s strong optimism around the duo of Rome Odunze and Luther Burden heading into the season, neither has produced a 1,000-yard season. Odunze was well on pace to get there before a foot injury slowed him down. That said, the depth behind those two remains questionable at best. Now, on one hand, it’s worth noting that Ben Johnson has not historically valued his third and fourth receivers as much as most teams. It’s also notable that they went out and signed Kalif Raymond to a one-year deal earlier this offseason. That said, he was at his best as the fourth option in Detroit. While Jahdae Walker made late-season waves as an undrafted free agent, it’s also worth mentioning that he was a healthy scratch during both playoff games. Taking Zavion Thomas in the third round adds depth. Still, both Poles and Johnson admitted during their post-draft press conference that their primary focus for him in the early going will be on special teams, namely as a returner. We saw how slowly they brought along both Colston Loveland and Burden last year, so it’s best to temper expectations, especially in the first half of the season. Even if the Bears don’t require a high-caliber pass catcher, adding some additional proven depth could help ease their plan into place and guard against any injuries to the top names on the depth chart. **Potential Options:** Noah Brown (FA), Josh Reynolds (FA), Tim Patrick (FA), Zay Jones (FA), Curtis Samuel (FA), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (FA), Scotty Miller (FA), and Tyler Johnson (FA).