Bears Insider Says Matt Eberflus Will Hunt This Position In Draft

The Chicago Bears have several positions they need to fix if they're going to get this team pointed in the right direction. There are those that will take top priority. Most experts believe GM Ryan Poles will be focused on the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive lines were weaknesses last year. That can't continue if they want to start winning more football games. It won't stop there, though. Wide receivers and cornerbacks will also be a focus. However, there is one that head coach Matt Eberflus has stashed in the back of his mind.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune alluded to this. One position that isn't getting enough attention is linebacker. Once a core strength of the defense, it has now become a weak point. Jack Sanborn looks like a keeper in the middle, but everywhere else has question marks. One in particular figures to have Eberflus' full attention in the draft.

"It’s possible, but instinct tells me their preference would be to draft and develop a player who can fill the hole at weak-side linebacker. It wouldn’t surprise me if they signed a linebacker and looked to draft one, putting them in position to compete for the starting role. In this scenario, I don’t know that they would “prioritize” signing a linebacker as much as they would seek a player with the skill set that might be a decent fit as a placeholder. Ultimately, I think Matt Eberflus believes the Bears can draft and develop a player at that spot."

This makes sense.

Eberflus said that the WILL (weak-side) linebacker is one of the three most important in the Bears' defense. The scheme is designed to guide ball carriers to that spot. Not only are they the ones primarily tasked with playing coverage, but they also have to be excellent tacklers. Think Derrick Brooks in Tampa Bay, Lance Briggs in Chicago, and Shaq Leonard in Indianapolis. All play or played the weak-side spot.

Matt Eberflus may have to search hard.

This year isn't considered the best where off-the-ball linebackers are concerned. Only one of their number is seen as worthy of going in the 1st round. After that, the drop comes quickly. If the Bears aim to find somebody to fits what they want, the likely area they'll strike will be somewhere between the 3rd and 5th rounds. Some names that might catch their eye include Henry To'oTo'o of Alabama. He has plenty of speed and athleticism to go along with tackling prowess (205 in two seasons). Jack Campbell of Iowa is another one. Not only is he a solid athlete, but he's 6'5 with long arms and plays strong coverage.

This comes down to Matt Eberflus. He is a former linebacker. He knows the position extremely well. It isn't a coincidence teams he's coached for ended up landing quality players like Bruce Carter, Anthony Hitchens, Damian Wilson, Jaylon Smith, Leonard, and Bobby Okereke. If he sees somebody in this draft that may have a bright NFL future, he'll know. It comes down to whether the Bears listen to him. Given the strong partnership with Poles, that shouldn't be a huge issue.