Alyssa Barbieri
April 16, 2024 4:23 pm CT
The Chicago Bears are in the middle of a busy, important offseason, where they’re looking to build off a strong finish to the 2023 season. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are entering Year 3, where expectations are high.
Following a busy free agency that included some big-name additions, including wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift, safety Kevin Byard and tight end Gerald Everett, the Bears are shifting their focus toward the 2024 NFL draft. While Chicago only has four draft picks, all of them are in the first four rounds — with a pair of top-10 selections, including No. 1 overall.
Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2024 NFL draft. Next up is defensive tackle, a position that could still use some depth.
Who's on the roster?
Oct 5, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
- Andrew Billings
- Gervon Dexter
- Zacch Pickens
- Byron Cowart
- Michael Dwumfour
Billings was one of the best free agent additions for Chicago last season, as they took a one-year flier on him and he turned into a key piece on the defensive line. While he’s not someone whose name is frequently praised or his contributions noticeable in the boxscore, Billings does a lot of the dirty work in the trenches. His biggest contribution has been helping turn around the run defense in a huge way. The Bears had the second worst run defense in the NFL last season, allowing an average 157.3 rushing yards per game. This season, Chicago allowed just 86.4 yards per game, which ranked first in the entire league. The Bears re-signed Billings to a two-year extension in the middle of the year, where it was clear they didn’t want to risk letting him go.
Dexter was drafted in the second round, and he had a solid rookie season with the Bears. Dexter got off to a slow start, but the addition of an elite edge rusher in Montez Sweat gave him more opportunities to shine. While Dexter had just nine pressures in the first eight games, he more than doubled that total in the final nine games (20). Dexter was at his best as an interior pass rusher, where he amassed 2.5 sacks, 29 pressures and 12 QB hits in a rotational role. It’s clear Dexter has a bright future, and he should benefit from the addition of new defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who is known for getting the most out of defensive linemen. Dexter is the favorite to start at three-technique.
The Bears drafted Pickens in the third round, and he had an underwhelming rookie season. That was due mostly to his limited opportunities as a rotational piece and the fact that he played out of position for a good portion of the year. Pickens saw time as a nose when he’s at his best as a three-technique, which was evident when he was in that position and thrived. Pickens struggled as a run defender, which is something he needs to improve. He showed promise as an interior pass rusher, but he’ll need to prove he can be more efficient. Pickens flashed promise in his rookie season, and working with Washington should be a huge help.
Elsewhere, Chicago signed Cowart and Dwumfour, who will serve as training camp bodies, this offseason.
Who departed this offseason?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Justin Jones #93 of the Chicago Bears takes the field against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
- Justin Jones
Jones was the only returning starter on the defensive lineman from the 2022 season. He’s coming off one of his better seasons in the NFL, where he had a career-best 4.5 sacks and proved to be a reliable asset as the team’s starting three-technique. Jones made improvement across the board in sacks (3 to 4.5), pressures (27 to 36) and pass tush win rate (5.6% to 5.7%). He was definitely a beneficiary of the addition of Montez Sweat, which freed up interior pass rush opportunities. Jones signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Cardinals, worth $30.1 million with $19.75 million guaranteed, in free agency.
Positional need: Moderate
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 10: Zacch Pickens #96 of the Chicago Bears hits Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field on December 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
When looking at Chicago’s defense, it’s a unit that has the potential to be a top-five group in the NFL. But the biggest concern remains the defensive line — even with last year’s additions, including Montez Sweat. The Bears certainly have a bigger need at edge rusher, but the interior defensive line is missing some key depth following the departure of Jones in free agency. Billings is locked in as the starting nose tackle, and Dexter is a favorite to step into that starting three-technique job. But there’s depth concerns behind them, including Pickens, who’s coming off an up-and-down rookie year. Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether Cowart will serve a significant role as depth past the preseason and Dwumfour is merely a training camp body and practice squad candidate.
Top draft prospects
Nov 18, 2023; Ames, Iowa, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking the Iowa State Cyclones quarterback during the game at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron E. Martinez-USA TODAY Sports
- Byron Murphy II
- Jer’Zhan Newton
- Braden Fiske
- Kris Jenkins
- Brandon Dorlus
There are two guys that stand above the rest in this defensive tackle class: Texas’ Byron Murphy and Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton, who are both projected to go in the first round. While defensive tackle isn’t at the top of Chicago’s draft needs, if the Bears opt to trade back from No. 9 to add more picks, taking Murphy or Newton later in the first round would certainly be in play. There are also some other options later in the draft, including Florida State’s Braden Fiske, Michigan’s Kris Jenkins and Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus.
2024 draft position previews
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 30: Graphics show on screen after Kevin White of the West Virginia Mountaineers is picked #7 overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 30, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
- Quarterback
- Running back
- Wide receiver
- Tight end
- Offensive line
- Edge rusher
- Defensive tackle
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Safety
- Special teams
