We’re just a couple weeks away from the next phase of the pre-NFL Draft process: The NFL Scouting Combine. The Scouting Combine will feature 337 prospects that are looking to improve their draft stock under the watchful eyes of general managers, coaches and scouts.
With the Bears looking to address several needs on offense and defense, there are no shortage of positions that they should be monitoring. But there are some that will require more attention than others.
Here are five positional groups the Bears should pay close attention to at the NFL Scouting Combine:
1. Tight ends
Tight end is arguably the most important area of need this offseason, especially for an offense that relies heavily on tight end production. Following a season where Bears tight ends combined for 46 receptions for 416 yards and one touchdown in 2019, Chicago needs to find a way to reverse their misfortunes at the position.
The Bears are likely to address tight end both in free agency and the NFL Draft, where there will be no shortage of viable options sitting there in the second round for Chicago. The Bears should have their pick at tight end, and they might be the first team to select a tight end in the NFL Draft.
2. Offensive line
Considering the amount of money invested in the offensive line, the Bears need better production than what was had in 2019. While there was plenty of blame to go around for the offense’s failures, the offensive line is concerning, especially when it comes to the run game.
The Bears need to shore up their offensive line, and that starts with bringing in some young talent to groom in the wake of some underwhelming veterans that could be cap-casualties after this season. There are a solid crop of guards and tackles in this year’s draft class, and the Bears have a chance to select some developmental projects that could play a role for the future.
3. Quarterback
Chicago had its share of issues on offense, but none more concerning than at the quarterback position. Mitchell Trubisky’s regression last season created doubt about whether he’s the guy for the Bears long-term. While the Bears remain committed to Trubisky as their starter for 2020, things can certainly change before the start of the season.
The Bears are expected to sign a veteran quarterback in free agency, someone that can challenge Trubisky for the starting job. But the Bears could also turn to the NFL Draft to bring in a young prospect in the later rounds. There are several quarterbacks that will be at the Scouting Combine that would certainly fit the bill.
4. Defensive backs
The Bears will have to address some needs in the defensive backfield this offseason, both at cornerback and safety. Cornerback Prince Amukamara expected to a cap-casualty, as he’ll free up $9 million. But the Bears will need to find his replacement, whether that’s in-house with Kevin Toliver or newly-signed Tre Roberson. Chicago is also expected to lose safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to free agency, unless they put up the money to re-sign him.
The cornerback class figures to be one of the deepest groups this draft class, and safety class has also shaped up nicely. There will be plenty of options for the Bears as they look to shore up their defensive backfield behind two Pro Bowlers in cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson.
5. Edge rusher
There are no doubts that Khalil Mack remains one of the game’s best pass rushers, even after a down year in 2019. But the Bears need to shore up a disappointing pass rush from last season, which included a dip in production. Chicago had 32 sacks in 2019, which was 18 less than the previous season.
Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch both disappointed in 2019, and the Bears need to find a viable option opposite Mack. There are some intriguing pass rush prospects that will be at the Scouting Combine, and the Bears would do well to bring in someone that could take over for Floyd following the final year of his deal — or if the Bears decide to pull his fifth-year option.
