Any new head coach knows the first order of business after getting hired is assembling a staff as quickly as possible. However, there isn’t much time to waste because preparations for the off-season begin soon. The East-West Shrine Bowl takes place on January 30th. Then, the Senior Bowl follows on February 1st. New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is working against the clock. That is why it is almost certain he already has a good idea of what the roster he’s taking over needs. Any self-respecting coach will have done the research before taking the job.
It sure sounds like Johnson has. During his run of media appearances following his hiring, it became clear he knows which direction the Bears likely focus their efforts. It started on ESPN 1000 with Carmen & Jurko, where he admitted the offensive and defensive lines need work. The next day, he went on The Herd with Colin Cowherd and said he hoped to augment the running back position to make it a team strength.
Ben Johnson focusing in those areas is not surprising.
All three were core strengths for the Detroit Lions over the past two seasons. The combination of Jamyr Gibbs and David Montgomery gave them a dominant ground attack, made even more devastating by an offensive line stacked with high draft picks. On defense, they were led by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. Chicago has some good pieces in place, like Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, and Darnell Wright. They need more, though. Thankfully, they have the resources to make it happen. That includes $66 million in projected cap space and three picks in the first two rounds.
It is widely believed this is a great year to need a running back in the draft. The class is talented from top to bottom. D’Andre Swift is a good player, but he’s not a workhorse type. Don’t be surprised if Ben Johnson nudged the team towards somebody who can handle the rock 15-20 times per game. They will also target help along the interior of the offensive line. Don’t be surprised if they throw tons of money at pending free agent Trey Smith. Either, the plan of attack for the Bears is clear.
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@David That’s very possible. But Monty ran in the 4.6’s. I think DeAndre Hopkins ran in the 4.6’s lol. I just really like Skattebo’s change of direction, agility, contact balance, toughness between the tackles, and his hands. He catches the ball extremely well. As part of a committee alongside a true speedster, I think Skattebo would excel. If he runs in the 4.6’s that makes him a lock for third round at the absolute latest for me. Really intrigued to see his three cone and other agility numbers. I don’t think that chip on his shoulder will ever leave, he’ll… Read more »
@jmscooby
I’d say Poles should be able to get Booker and Ratledge and a day three with what he has to work with. Trey might want to move on when the 3-peat fails. There’s cap for that. Need a second rd Braxton backup. Kiran aint him.
Trade down to about 15, and take Booker.
Poles could trade down on that #10 make Tate Ratledge his first pick, get some extra fire power and not be disappointed.
Swift wasn’t the problem this year, but he’s a make you miss guy, or he’ll jump over you. He’s very good in the open field, but he won’t lower his shoulder on a tackler. That’s just not his game, but it helps his availability and longevity. We need an up the gut runner, who is also good at pass blocking. Like Dr. Mel said, the underbelly already knew we needed a RB, as well as OL/DL. We also need a TE who is quick enough to weave through the middle, and Kmet ain’t it. Dennis Allen is a former safety… Read more »