Where's the Beef? 5 Defensive Lineman the Bears could target

As the Chicago Bears look to solidify their defense entering the 2024 season, one area that could use bolstering is the defensive line. A disruptive front makes all the difference in stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Whether it is at defensive tackle or defensive end , the Bears need more talent up front. Here are five players the Bears should consider acquiring to boost their defensive line.

5. Yannick Ngakoue

Yannick Ngakoue 5-Years Stats

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Despite his lackluster performance in 2023, Yannick Ngakoue has proven himself a capable sack man in the NFL. With multiple seasons of eight or more sacks, Ngakoue has historically been a productive threat off the edge. His speed and familiarity with the team make him an obvious answer for a Bears defense that desperately needs to complement Montez Sweat. But is he be the best answer?

Last season, Ngakoue struggled to be a consistent threat for the Bears defense. In 2023, he registered a pass rush grade of 47.6 (per PFF), with only 34 pressures and 4 sacks across 408 pass rush snaps. Ngakoue did deal with injuries over the second half of the season that limited his play time, but the lackluster season followed a trend of declining PFF grades from him over the last three years.

Not to mention his consistent struggles against the run throughout his career, which attach more questions to the player. Overall, Ngakoue is the easy answer who fits the budget, but I question whether he is the best solution for the Bears defensive line needs. PFF grades are always suspect, but they have proven to be a fair evaluation of pass rush skills. Given the recent decline in his pass rush grade, I am skeptical of a bounce back year.

4. Rasheem Green

Rasheem Green 5-Year Stats

PFF.com

I would consider Rasheem Green over Ngakoue, personally. Green is a solid player against the run and was adequate in a reserve role for the Bears last season. He does not inspire confidence by any means, but there is value in knowing his floor as a reliable run defender who can set a hard edge. Especially for a Matt Eberflus defense that seeks out pocket compressors on the edge who can anchor down with power. But a player with more pass rush upside would be more intriguing.

Green is who he is at this point in his career. He has played in the NFL for 6 seasons, only generating a PFF grade above 60 once. But he is the model of consistency. This would not be an upside signing. While he did put up 8 sacks in 2021, that type of production has proven to be an outlier in his career.

Signing Green would be a way to get a reliable body on the roster who is already familiar with the defense, the players around him, and can pitch in on special teams. If you get lucky, the 27-year-old might show a little growth and exceed his historically consistent numbers.

3. Emmanuel Ogbah

Emmanuel Ogbah 5-Year Stats

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Emmanuel Ogbah offers a blend of experience and versatility that can benefit the Bears' defensive line. The 8-year NFL veteran is a bit of a tweener who can play three technique on passing downs and base end on rushing downs. Even though Ogbah would be redundant to DeMarcus Walker, the combination could be used in rotation to stay fresh and be used in multiple alignments. Even though he wouldn't be the ideal speed rusher off the edge, Ogbah's experience would certainly add value to the Bears front.

At 30.6 years old, Ogbah does come with risk. His production has been limited in each of the last two seasons. In 2022, after signing a four-year, $65 million contract, Ogbah tore his tricep and missed the final 8 games of the season. The next year, he was buried on the depth chart behind Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. Ogbah did see a boost in snaps after both players were injured late in the season, generating 4 sacks and 11 pressures over his final 6 games of 2023.

The Dolphins cut Ogbah after the season, eating $4 million in dead cap on the transaction. He would likely come cheap, and with pass rush win rates that have stayed generally stable, he could still have some gas in the tank to help the Bears.

2. Chris Wormley

Chris Wormley 5-Year Stats

PFF.com

Chris Wormley is an underrated gem who has consistently performed at a high level when on the field. With a knack for stuffing the run, Wormley would be a rock-solid addition to the Bears' defensive line rotation. His work ethic, football IQ, and 7 years of NFL experience make him a reliable player who can set a floor for the Bears defensive line. Although he has primarily been used as a defensive end in 3-4 schemes, Wormley has the requisite mass to play the three-technique spot and could offer a different style of play for the Bears defense.

In December 2022, the Steelers placed Wormley on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL. He signed with the Panthers in 2023 but did not see the active roster until week 12. He played in 5 games for the Panthers, totaling only 46 snaps. However, he was a high-quality football player with consistent pass rush win rates before the knee injury.

I am willing to bet on a player who was recovering from knee surgery on a bad team with nothing to play for down the stretch. Maybe he can have a bounce-back season now that he is fully recovered. His run-stuffing ability, consistent pass rush win rates, and veteran presence would be a welcome sight for the Bears interior defensive line. Meanwhile, his price tag would fit the Bears' budget well.

1. Matthew Judon

Matthew Judon 5-Year Stats

PFF.com

This is a speculative answer. If Matthew Judon can be had, then I want to see the Bears make it happen. Last week, Judon sent a tweet that made it seem like his days in New England could be numbered. Now, this could have just been a response to the Patriots not being interested in discussing a contract extension, but the Bears should determine whether the door is open to acquiring Judon.

At nearly 32 years old, Judon is no spring chicken by NFL standards. Because of his age, the price tag to acquire him via trade could be pretty reasonable. Judon is in the final year of his contract and would carry a $4.4 million cap hit for the acquiring team, which would fit the Bears' cap situation. Although, he would likely be seeking a new deal in the process.

Considering his recent production, winning traits, and play style, I think he should age gracefully. Even though he missed significant time with an injury in 2023, the injury was a torn bicep, not an overly concerning ailment when looking long-term. While Judon may not be a long-term solution for the Bears, he could be a nice 2- or 3-year developmental aid at the right price.

Final Thoughts

The Bears have a solid defensive foundation at linebacker and in the secondary, but adding any of these five players would improve the defensive line depth significantly. Whether it's a proven pass-rusher like Matthew Judon, a familiar floor setter like Rasheem Green, or a low-risk recovery bet like Chris Wormley, the Bears have a few options to enhance their defensive front.

Strengthening the defensive line is crucial for the Bears to continue their defensive success and make a serious run for the playoffs in 2024. While the options may be limited, adding something to the room would go a long way towards easing my concerns.

Bears fans, what do you think? Who would you like to see added to the defensive line? Let us know your thoughts and stay tuned for more Bears content as we continue to break down all things Chicago Bears!

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