Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has made moves to strengthen the interior offensive line this offseason. Ryan Bates was acquired via trade, and Coleman Shelton was signed in free agency. Head coach Matt Eberflus recently hinted that Bates has the upper hand at center. Nate Davis and Teven Jenkins are slated to be the starting guards. There's room for more competition at guard. With Chicago's specific draft capital in mind, we've identified four interior defensive line prospects, including an undrafted free-agent type, the Bears should target in the 2024 NFL Draft.
FIRST ROUND (NO. 9) | JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON | OREGON
The Bears aren't drafting a center at No. 9, but perhaps Powers-Johnson becomes an option if Poles trades back to accumulate additional draft capital. Powers-Johnson is the draft's consensus top-ranked interior prospect. There's value in pairing Caleb Williams with a starting-caliber center with Powers-Johnson's upside.
THIRD ROUND (NO. 75) | COOPER BEEBE | KANSAS STATE
Beebe is a guard prospect that possesses sheer power and strength. He's a phone-booth blocker who overwhelms opposing defenders as a run blocker and in pass protection. Beebe is also plenty athletic, having leaped a 9-foot-1 broad at the NFL Combine. Beebe also ran a 5.03 40 and 7.44 3-cone at a mammoth 322 pounds.
FOURTH ROUND (NO. 122) | CHRISTIAN MAHOGANY | BOSTON COLLEGE
Nate Davis did not meet expectations after signing a three-year contract last offseason. If Davis doesn't rebound in 2024, he'll become a potential cap casualty, as the Bears can save $9.5 million against the 2025 cap by releasing him, according to Spotrac. Poles could consider drafting Davis' eventual replacement in the fourth round. Mahogany pairs power with athleticism.
UDFA | BRYAN HUDSON | LOUISVILLE
Hudson recently wowed NFL scouts at Louisville's Pro Day. Hudson posted elite agility drills via a 4.5 shuttle and 7.35 3-cone. Hudson has been a long-term starter at guard and center for the Cardinals. His Pro Day results put teams on notice. If Hudson isn't drafted late, the Bears could target him as a priority undrafted free agent.
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