PFF creates the ideal offseason for the Chicago Bears with two outstanding offensive lineman.
As the Chicago Bears head into what is shaping up to be a pivotal offseason, the spotlight is squarely on how they can address their glaring weaknesses and build for the future. Among their most significant areas of need is the offensive line, which has been a point of contention for the team for several years. Despite efforts to bolster the front five, the Bears’ offensive line has continued to struggle in both pass protection and run blocking, hindering their ability to develop a consistent and high-powered offense.
Pro Football Focus (PFF), a leading authority on player evaluation and team performance, recently laid out the ideal offseason scenario for the Bears. In their view, the path to a successful 2025 season is clear: the team must secure two outstanding offensive linemen to fortify their unit and create a foundation upon which their quarterback—currently Justin Fields—can thrive.
This article explores why PFF’s ideal offseason for the Bears, which includes signing two top-tier offensive linemen, is a move that could not only transform the Bears’ offense but also provide long-term stability for the franchise.
1. The Bears’ Offensive Line Struggles
For the past several seasons, the Chicago Bears have dealt with inconsistency on the offensive line. In 2024, the offensive line continued to be a major issue for the team, particularly in pass protection. Justin Fields, despite his obvious talent and playmaking ability, was forced to scramble too often due to poor blocking up front. The Bears’ line was one of the worst in the league in terms of sack rate, pressures allowed, and run blocking efficiency.
At the heart of the Bears’ offensive line woes is a lack of stability and talent at key positions. Although the team has made moves to improve the offensive line—drafting players like Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones—they still lack a consistent, dominant presence across all positions. The Bears have tried different combinations and rotations over the past few years, but the results have been underwhelming.
For a young quarterback like Fields, an inconsistent offensive line can be a devastating hindrance. Fields, who relies on his mobility to extend plays, has been forced to evade pressure more than most quarterbacks in the NFL. While his athleticism has allowed him to make plays despite the pressure, it is clear that the Bears’ offense cannot reach its full potential until the offensive line is solidified. With head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles looking to take the next step in their rebuild, addressing the offensive line is imperative.
2. Why Two Outstanding Offensive Linemen?
PFF’s ideal offseason for the Bears centers around the addition of two outstanding offensive linemen. This recommendation is rooted in the understanding that an elite offensive line is one of the most important factors in building a successful team, especially for a quarterback like Fields who has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone if given the right protection.
Impact on Pass Protection
One of the Bears’ primary struggles on the offensive line has been pass protection. Fields was forced to deal with constant pressure, leading to hurried throws, sacks, and missed opportunities down the field. The addition of two elite offensive linemen would go a long way toward fixing this problem. With strong, capable blockers at key positions (such as left tackle and right guard), the Bears could significantly improve Fields’ time in the pocket, giving him the opportunity to survey the field and make plays more comfortably.
Improved Run Blocking
The Bears have long prided themselves on a run-first mentality, and with Fields and running back Khalil Herbert, they have the personnel to excel on the ground. However, poor offensive line play has limited their ability to establish a consistent running game. With the right pieces in place, the Bears can return to their identity as a team that can dominate in the trenches, controlling the line of scrimmage and setting up manageable third downs and red-zone opportunities.
Consistency and Depth
One of the problems the Bears have faced in recent years is the lack of depth on the offensive line. Injuries have played a significant role in this issue, as the team has been forced to shuffle players in and out of the lineup. By adding two top-tier offensive linemen, the Bears would not only improve their starting lineup but also create valuable depth that will allow them to withstand injuries and other setbacks throughout the season. This depth would give the team flexibility to rotate players and ensure that the offensive line remains effective even if injuries arise.
3. The Top Targets: Who Should the Bears Pursue?
PFF’s ideal offseason for the Bears highlights the importance of targeting high-level free agents or making bold moves in the draft. Two outstanding offensive linemen can come in many forms, but for the Bears, the ideal solution would be to secure one elite veteran via free agency or trade and one high-potential player through the draft.
Free Agency: The Veteran Presence
In free agency, the Bears would be looking to add a proven player who can step in and immediately upgrade their offensive line. Here are a few potential targets:
- Orlando Brown Jr. (OT)
Brown is one of the premier left tackles in the NFL, and his experience and ability to shut down top pass rushers would be invaluable to the Bears. After a successful stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown would be a major upgrade over the current left tackle situation. His addition would allow the Bears to secure the blindside protection that is crucial for Fields’ development. - Ben Powers (OG)
Powers, an interior offensive lineman who played for the Baltimore Ravens, is known for his ability to both pass protect and create holes in the run game. As a guard, he could provide a significant upgrade at the right guard position, which has been an area of concern for the Bears in recent seasons. Powers would offer immediate stability to the offensive line and give the Bears a consistent presence inside. - Mike McGlinchey (OT)
Another option at tackle is Mike McGlinchey, a reliable right tackle who has spent several years with the San Francisco 49ers. McGlinchey is known for his ability to anchor the right side of the offensive line and protect against edge rushers. If the Bears can land McGlinchey, he would help solidify the tackle positions and offer more security for Fields.
The Draft: High Potential Picks
While free agency can provide immediate help, the draft is where the Bears can build for the future. PFF recommends that the Bears focus on selecting a young, high-upside lineman to add to their roster. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears have the flexibility to trade down and acquire additional picks, which could help them secure a top-tier offensive lineman in the first or second round.
Some draft targets include:
- Peter Skoronski (OT/OG – Northwestern)
Skoronski, one of the top prospects in the 2024 draft, is a versatile offensive lineman who can play either tackle or guard. His intelligence, athleticism, and technique make him an ideal fit for the Bears’ offensive line. Skoronski would be a day-one starter and could help solidify the line for years to come. - Paris Johnson Jr. (OT – Ohio State)
Johnson is an elite tackle prospect with the ability to dominate in both the run and pass games. His size and athleticism make him one of the top tackles available in the draft, and if the Bears can trade down and secure him, he could be a major addition to their front five. - Cody Mauch (OG – North Dakota State)
Mauch is a rising star in the draft, known for his toughness and ability to create movement in the run game. Although he may need some development, Mauch has the potential to be an outstanding guard in the NFL. The Bears could look to add him in the second or third round, giving them a high-ceiling option at guard.
4. The Long-Term Impact of Two Outstanding Offensive Linemen
The long-term impact of adding two outstanding offensive linemen cannot be overstated. The Bears are at a critical juncture in their rebuild, and a revamped offensive line would provide immediate benefits, both in terms of Fields’ development and the team’s overall offensive performance. Here’s how the changes would ripple throughout the roster:
Justin Fields’ Development
The most immediate beneficiary of a revamped offensive line would be Justin Fields. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but without solid protection, his potential has been stifled. With two elite offensive linemen, Fields would have more time to go through his progressions and make plays in the pocket. The improvement in his protection could help elevate his game and allow him to become the franchise quarterback the Bears have been waiting for.
Offensive Balance
A better offensive line would also allow the Bears to establish a more balanced offense. With better run blocking, the team could lean on the ground game, utilizing Fields’ running ability and the talents of running backs like Khalil Herbert. This would take pressure off the passing game and allow the offense to become more unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Team Identity
Finally, the Bears could establish a new identity built on dominance in the trenches. With two outstanding offensive linemen, the team would be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, helping to build a winning culture around toughness and physicality.
