Not long ago, the Atlanta Falcons added former Chicago Bears players to their roster. Now, the situation has reversed. With wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus signing on Monday, the Bears have brought in three ex-Falcons, including defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and center Drew Dalman. “It’s going to help a lot,” Zaccheaus said. “Having familiar faces in a new environment, going through similar experiences, always makes things easier.”
He’s the latest addition to Coach Ben Johnson’s offense.
Zaccheaus expressed his excitement about playing for Johnson, saying, “The creativity in the play calls and how effective and productive the offenses have been really excites me. Watching how hard they play for each other is also something I really appreciate. I’m eager to get to work and build on that.”
With Zaccheaus now signed, free agency moving forward, and pro days taking center stage, here are five key takeaways on the Bears’ offseason — the first under general manager Ryan Poles and Coach Johnson.
- The Bears should seriously consider drafting running back Ashton Jeanty or tight end Tyler Warren with the No. 10 pick.
With the additions of guards Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Dalman, the Bears’ draft approach can shift, allowing them to focus on more than just offensive linemen.
“This really opens up the entire board for us,” Poles said recently. “We can step back, evaluate, and ask, ‘What’s best for the Chicago Bears, and who can make the biggest impact?’ We have tough decisions to make and a lot of film to watch before the draft.”
While debates around offensive linemen and positional value are common, they don’t carry much weight when it comes to choosing the best talent at any position, which Jeanty and Warren certainly are.
It now seems unlikely that Missouri right tackle Armand Membou will be available at No. 10 after his stellar performance at the NFL combine. LSU left tackle Will Campbell, however, could be considered if he falls that far, though his arm length of 32 5/8 inches might make him a better fit for guard.
With a strong pool of running backs and tight ends this year, it’s not wise to wait on selecting one. Choosing the best running back in a solid year for the position could have a greater impact than selecting the third-best offensive lineman at No. 10.
Poles emphasized the need for difference-makers, and Jeanty or Warren could be immediate contributors, especially in Johnson’s offense.
Lions GM Brad Holmes’ words after drafting running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 two years ago are worth noting: “We didn’t just get a running back, we acquired an elite weapon to keep our offense explosive.”
Both Jeanty and Warren are elite weapons. - Poles’ comments about “waves of pass rushers” might offer clues about his draft strategy.
The offensive line is less of a focus after adding Thuney, Jackson, and Dalman, but the Bears still want to bolster their pass rush. Signing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo signals the beginning of that effort.
“We all watched the Super Bowl, right? You want waves of pass rushers,” Poles said, referencing the Eagles’ success against the Chiefs. “If all of those guys improve and work together, we can make a real impact on the passer, which puts our team in a strong position.”
Poles stressed that you can never have enough pass rushers and that the Bears will always seek to strengthen this area. However, he feels optimistic about their current situation.
Poles may feel even more confident after selecting another defensive lineman early in the draft. Given the strength of the defensive line class this year, it wouldn’t be surprising if their first-round pick comes down to Jeanty, Warren, or the best pass rusher available at No. 10.
