The Chicago Bears drafted five players in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Ryan Poles initially entered the draft with four picks but flipped a future selection to draft Kansas defensive end Austin Booker in the fifth round. While plenty of competition was added to the roster during the draft, certain positions weren't addressed.
These four existing Chicago Bears players exited the draft with security.
NATE DAVIS | GUARD
Nate Davis delivered average results at right guard throughout the 2023 campaign after signing a three-year, $30 million contract last offseason. Davis is entering a critical season. Poles could release Davis next offseason and save $9.5 million against the cap while inheriting just $2 million in dead money, according to Spotrac. Despite that looming over Davis' upcoming season, the Bears did not draft an interior offensive lineman. He'll receive every opportunity in 2024 to prove he deserves to play out his contract.
KEVIN BYARD | SAFETY
Poles signed veteran safety Kevin Byard to replace fellow veteran Eddie Jackson opposite Jaquan Brisker at safety. The aging Byard will turn 31 in August and may be seen as a one-year rental by Poles despite signing a two-year contract. The great news for Byard is that the Bears did not draft a succession plan.
Jonathan Owens qualifies as the only other somewhat notable safety acquisition this offseason. Owens is a better fit for sub-package defense with three rotating safeties on the field. Nobody is going to challenge Byard in Chicago this season.
GERVON DEXTER SR. | DT
The Bears have a fair bit invested in defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. after drafting him with the 53rd pick in 2023. Like most rookies, Dexter Sr. struggled with consistency. He was a rotational defender who earned a 36.2 grade as a run-stopper from Pro Football Focus. Dexter Sr. was more valuable as a pass rusher, totaling 29 pressures in limited action.
There was a prevailing thought that perhaps Poles would acquire a big-time interior player this offseason, whether through free agency (Christian Wilkins) or the draft. Neither scenario came to fruition. A big sophomore campaign is on the horizon for Dexter Sr., who should see increased snaps.
GERALD EVERETT | TE
The Bears showed significant interest in tight ends throughout the pre-draft process. Brock Bowers and Ben Sinnott were among their pre-draft 30 visits. Despite that, Poles wisely stood firm at the position by not drafting a tight end. Gerald Everett was signed in free agency to operate as the No. 2 behind Cole Kmet. We should see a fair amount of two tight end sets in Shane Waldron's offense.
