Who is the Right Choice for the Chicago Bears' Defensive Line?
The Chicago Bears set out a goal to fortify both sides of the trenches. They've done just that on the offensive side during the draft, however their quest for a game-changing playmaker continues. They are keen on finding a player with the explosive prowess to transform or even halt an offensive drive in an instant.
Despite having the perfect opportunity to snag an edge rusher in the NFL Draft, Ryan Poles, the team's General Manager, found that the right candidate never quite lined up with any of the Bears' 10 picks - at least, that's the narrative from the front office.
The Bears have been active in the free agent market recently, but have only signed defensive end DeMarcus Walker, who notched a career-high seven sacks last season.
As the training camp approaches, top pass rushers are quickly being snapped up. Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report suggests that one of the best available fits for Chicago's edge requirements is Yannick Ngakoue.
Despite a somewhat nomadic career since entering the NFL in 2016, Ngakoue has consistently showcased his quarterback hunting skills. Over his seven-year NFL tenure, Ngakoue has never recorded fewer than eight sacks in a season, according to Football Reference. His standout year came in 2017 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a Pro Bowl selection on the back of 12 sacks. Last season, he chalked up 9.5 sacks and 27 quarterback pressures for the Indianapolis Colts.
If Ngakoue doesn't meet the needs of Matt Eberflus' defensive setup in Chicago, the team might consider former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark. A three-time Pro Bowler, Clark has been one of the most proficient sack producers in NFL postseason history, accumulating a total of 13.5 playoff sacks, which places him third all-time.
Poles has communicated the team's intention to procure an edge rusher, but he maintains that the franchise isn't in a hurry.
With an urgent need to improve their league-worst tally of 20 team sacks in 2022, the Bears, without a doubt will have to act promptly if they want to secure the best available player in the market.
As seen on - Bears Dubbed Top Fit for Sack Specialist, Former Pro Bowler
| POLL | ||
15 MAI | 96 ANSWERS Who is the Right Choice for the Chicago Bears' Defensive Line? If you had to choose one, which would you take? | ||
| Yannick Ngakoue | 57 | 59.4 % |
| Frank Clark | 19 | 19.8 % |
| Neither | 20 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
