Chicago Bears’ 3 biggest roster weaknesses as 2024 training camp nears

The Chicago Bears have drastically improved their roster this offseason. Drafting a new franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has positively altered the future of the team. Adding Rome Odunze via the ninth selection added to the possibility of the Bears actually fielding an explosive offense this season.

Williams and Odunze weren’t the only big-time offseason additions. Veteran players like Keenan Allen, Kevin Byard, D’Andre Swift, and Gerald Everett also joined the Bears. This is the best roster the Bears have put forth in quite some time.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Chicago’s roster is perfect, however. General manager Ryan Poles may still address some requirements via veteran free agents that remain available. We’ve identified three positions the Bears could upgrade heading into training camp.

EDGE

I expected the Bears to further address the EDGE position this offseason. Acquiring Montez Sweat midseason helped, but the Bears still recorded a 31st-ranked 30 sacks last season. Poles didn’t spend money in free agency to pair Sweat with a proven veteran running mate. Austin Booker was drafted in the fifth round, but it’s DeMarcus Walker who appears slated to start opposite Sweat. Potential veteran additions include Emmanuel Ogbah or Carl Lawson.

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bears acquired two interior offensive linemen this offseason in Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates. Both are league-average players, and one of them will serve as Chicago’s starting center this season. Starting right guard Nate Davis failed to meet expectations in 2023 and will be playing under a microscope. Teven Jenkins will continue attempting to make left guard his long-term home. This unit is by no means a disaster, but projects no better than a middle-of-the-pack group.

3-TECH (INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN)

Several great NFL defenses have difference-making pass rushers at the 3-tech position. Some of the league’s greats include Christian Wilkins, Jeffery Simmons, and Quinnen Williams, to name a few. The Bears lack an interior defensive linemen with that sort of upside. Justin Jones led the position group in sacks last season with just 4.5 quarterback takedowns.

The productivity of this group largely relies on the sophomore development of Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens.