Insider Says Ryan Poles Has One "Obsession" Going Into 2024

GM Ryan Poles knew rebuilding the Chicago Bears would be a long and often difficult process. He wanted to do it through the draft. While that is the right way, it also takes time. Modern fans don't have the patience for something like that. The past 26 games Poles has been in charge aren't helping his case. Chicago has five victories in that span. It is by far the worst stretch of Bears football in franchise history. Head coach Matt Eberflus looks overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Many young players aren't progressing as hoped. It is evident several holes remain across the roster.

The obvious question becomes what Poles will prioritize. Adam Jahns of The Athletic has a pretty good idea. He predicted in a recent column that the Bears would make the three-technique interior pass rusher one of their strongest focuses.

"Finding a three-technique DT will be Poles’ offseason obsession.

When projecting the Bears’ defensive line for the 2024 season, one piece is missing. The Bears have Sweat and DeMarcus Walker at defensive end and Andrew Billings at nose guard.

Who plays the three-technique? Who is the Bears’ best interior pass rusher?"

It isn't surprising. Interior pass rush is vital to the Bears' entire defensive scheme. Through eight games, their defensive tackles have combined for 1.5 sacks. It isn't just bad, but all-time bad. This goes a long way in explaining why the sack numbers are down for the Bears' edge rushers as well. With nobody to consistently squeeze the pocket, quarterbacks can evade the arcs by simply stepping up.

Ryan Poles will have three notable options.

Two big free agents could immediately solve the problem depending on what happens with the franchise tags. One is future Hall of Famer Chris Jones. He could depart Kansas City after years of untouchable success, hoping to land one more big payday. Poles helped draft him back in 2016. The other is Justin Madubuike. The former 3rd round pick is having a breakout season with the Baltimore Ravens, collecting 7.5 sacks in nine games. His interior rush is vital to the Ravens' status as the #1 defense in the league.

If the Bears don't wish to spend money on a veteran, then the draft is their other avenue. In that case, one name stands far above the rest. That is Jer'Zhan Newton of Illinois. Most experts see him as the best interior pass rusher in the 2024 class, collecting 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss in his last 22 games. He is quick, explosive, and has the relentless motor to constantly create havoc in the backfield.

Ryan Poles will have two 1st round picks next April. He could easily reserve one of them for Newton. It will depend on where those picks end up. Newton projects to go somewhere in the late top 10 to the mid-teens. Any of those three names would be an immediate boost to the Bears' defense.