To put it bluntly, the 2019 Chicago Bears season was a disaster. Saying they underachieved preseason expectations would be a gross understatement. From play-calling to player performance, there were plenty of issues on the team, leading to many draft needs for the Bears.
After an 8-8 season, good for third in the NFC North, the team needs to stay aggressive to compete with an improving division. Unfortunately for them, Chicago does not currently have a first-round pick, due to the Khalil Mack trade.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Chicago Bears’ biggest needs, heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
CLICK HERE for Full Seven-Round Bears Mock Draft!
Chicago Bears Draft Picks
- Round 2, Pick 11 (No. 43 Overall, from Raiders via Khalil Mack trade)
- Round 2, Pick 18 (No. 50 Overall)
- Round 5, Pick 18 (No. 163 Overall)
- Round 6, Pick 17 (No. 196 Overall)
- Round 6, Pick 21 (No. 200 Overall, from Eagles via Jordan Howard trade)
- Round 7, Pick 12 (No. 226 Overall, from Raiders via Khalil Mack trade)
- Round 7, Pick 19 (No. 233 Overall)
Bears Biggest Draft Needs
Offensive Line
The right side of the offensive line is a problem. Kyle Long’s retirement left a gaping hole at guard. Newly-signed Germain Ifedi gives the Bears an option, but he remains a wild card. At tackle, Bobby Massie is in the last year of his deal, at age 30, and coming off of an ankle injury.
The rest of the line is in pretty good shape, with Cody Whitehair leading the way at center. After experimenting at center last year, James Daniels will slot back in at left guard, where he’s had much more success. Charles Leno Jr., signed through 2022, will round out the line at left tackle.
If Chicago can solidify the right side of the offensive line, it will allow for Mitch Trubisky to roll out more, if he wins the job, and it allows for the Bears to win on early downs more often with their running game.
Dream Pick: Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan (50 overall)
Defensive Back
The Bears are shorthanded at both safety and corner, after losing HaHa Clinton-Dix and Prince Amukamara to free agency. Guys like Buster Skrine and Deon Bush will be in the mix to join Pro Bowlers Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller in the starting lineup. A lineup that now boasts elite pass rushers Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn, after Quinn signed with the Bears on a five-year deal worth $70M.
Drafting defense over offense seems asinine, but hear me out. Unless Jordan Love falls in their lap, I think the Bears would be smart to take the top cornerback or safety on their board. An elite defense makes life easier on a growing offense, and the Bears are certainly that.
Dream Pick: Grant Delpit, S, LSU (43 overall)
Tight End
Is Jimmy Graham the answer to the Bears’ tight end woes? After paying the former Packer a guaranteed $9M, Ryan Pace sure thinks so. It seems like a hefty price tag to me, but Chicago’s tight ends combined for 44 catches last season, so I’m keeping an open mind. Even with a solid showing at age 33, Graham isn’t the long-term playmaker Nagy’s offense is desperate for.
Dream Pick: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford (163 overall)
Secondary Team Needs:
Quarterback
Wide Receiver
Outside Linebacker
More Articles
Teams Most Likely to Draft Tua Tagovailoa
Patriots Playoffs Odds Point to Making Postseason Without Brady