The Chicago Bears are embarking on a new voyage under GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. Nobody knows what to expect in the long term. Yet it seems most have reached the same conclusion about 2022. This team likely won’t be very good. While they have some talented players sprinkled across the roster, there aren’t enough blue-chip names or depth to give them an edge over Green Bay or Minnesota.
Khalil Mack, Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan, and Allen Robinson are all gone. The visions of 2018 have faded into the mists. Whatever window the team had was closed. Poles and Eberflus are working towards a new one, which is likely to take some time. A big part of that process is unloading expensive contracts and aging players. As of this moment, only eight of the 90 players on the depth chart are 30 or older.
Several young bodies have entered the mix.
That includes 11 draft picks and 35 undrafted free agents or rookie camp invites. The Bears seem intent on laying the foundation for the future, no doubt hoping they find one or two gems in that mass. However, the fatal flaw over the three decades is their inability to hit on 1st round picks consistently. Poles will get his first opportunity next offseason, and Todd McShay of ESPN offered a projection of where the Bears will pick and who.
“7. Chicago Bears
Jordan Addison, WR, Pittsburgh*
Addison entered the transfer portal, so where he’ll be suiting up this season is still up in the air. He was among the best receivers in college football last season with 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 trips to the end zone. The Bears opted to wait until Round 3 to draft a receiver (Velus Jones Jr.) and still need a legitimate outside starter opposite Darnell Mooney.”
It would be somewhat ironic if Poles’ first-ever pick in the 1st round is 7th overall, and he chose a wide receiver. Don’t forget Ryan Pace did the exact same thing back in 2015. That didn’t work out too well. No doubt the hope would be Addison does better than Kevin White. He’ll have far more experience playing at the Division I level, which will be important. His speed is legit, and he’s also a sharp route-runner. He fits the mold Poles seems to prefer at that position.
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Chicago Bears 2023 projection hinges on Justin Fields.
Most experts aren’t optimistic about the young quarterback this year. He was rough in 2021 and now has to start over in a new offense. The talent around also doesn’t elicit much confidence—no established stars on the offensive line or wide receiver. The one area that should be better than last season is the coaching. Matt Nagy’s offense was widely-ridiculed for being disjointed and lacking an identity. That won’t be the case under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
They plan to run the Shanahan-style offense that is all the rage in places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Green Bay. The system is known for making life much easier on quarterbacks. Even average ones like Jake Plummer and Jared Goff have found success in it. Provided Fields takes a step forward in his understanding of the game; he should be able to play better this season. The Chicago Bears might not be the total pushover many expected if that happens.
Something to keep in mind.
One thing is certain. If they end up with Addison next April, that should instantly change the perspective of their passing game. A pairing of him and Mooney on the outside could give defenses fits. Still, it’s fair to wonder if Poles might instead look to fortify his offensive line with a top-tier left tackle. Too early to tell.
