Did Matt Eberflus Confirm the Chicago Bears Will Draft a Pass Rusher?

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus spoke to reporters last week at the NFL owners meetings. He talked about the exciting month of April and not only the draft but the voluntary workout program starting on April 15.

Eberflus also said he wanted to create a 1-2 punch on the defensive line with Montez Sweat.

How Do The Bears Add To The Defensive Line?

Matt Eberflus continued his comments about adding to the defensive line by describing two players the Chicago Bears already have. Coach Flus talked about the second-year jump that guys like Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens can have this year.

Those players are about to go through what Eberflus describes as the biggest jump rookies typically have. From the second half of their rookie season to their second year in the NFL, players go through the greatest growth because they're starting to really understand the rhythm and flow of the professional level.

Although Dexter Sr. and Pickens had decent rookie years with three sacks combined, are the Chicago Bears satisfied at this position? Eberflus said they're looking at all positions on the defensive line and they have an open mind.

So if Dallas Turner or Jared Verse fall to the ninth spot in the 2024 NFL draft, how do the Bears pass them up? It would take several puzzle pieces falling into exactly the right spots for this to happen. 

The Minnesota Vikings would have to trade up with the Arizona Cardinals to select a quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans would have to help here as well.

With Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt high on many draft boards, one of those teams will likely select him. The other would have to choose between who is left in the top ten picks. Wide receivers Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze are highly valuable players either the Falcons or Titans would welcome. So the Chicago Bears landing a Dallas Turner or Jared Verse isn't too far outside the realm of possibilities.

It's hard to imagine General Manager Ryan Poles keeping the Bears at the ninth spot. With less draft capital than he's used to having to go into an NFL draft, Poles will likely trade down and acquire more picks. But if he doesn't and one of those pass rushers is available, it's hard to imagine Matt Eberflus letting Poles pass them up. After all, defense wins championships, right?