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So far, so good for the Bears’ offseason, but what hole remains?

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Since the first of this year, Chicago Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace has been getting positive offseason kudos after his coaching staff overhaul, his free agency signings, and his draft picks.

Honestly, it’s kind of weird seeing so many national pundits praising anything Bears related.

Even though his offseason has received high marks so far, there’s no way a team coming off a 5-11 record is complete. Surely there must still be a few holes on the roster to fill.

Football Outsiders, as part of their ESPN Insider partnership, recently went through each team and identified the biggest hole remaining. When I settled in to read their Bears’ thoughts I assumed that they’d point out the lack of outside linebackers that can get after the quarterback, but that wasn’t the case.

Scott Kacsmar, who not only works with Football Outsiders, but also with Pro Football Reference, was tasked with the NFC North for this FO project and here’s what he had to say about the Bears.

Biggest hole: Secondary

Chicago has totally revamped its wide receiving corps for Mitchell Trubisky in his second season. Not only did the Bears acquire Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in free agency but they also made a move in the second round to draft Anthony Miller. The Bears also snagged another cornerstone linebacker in Roquan Smith with the No. 8 pick in the draft.

However, there continues to be a lack of playmaking ability in the secondary, and none of Chicago’s seven draft picks was used on a defensive back. The Bears have a league-low 24 interceptions on defense since 2015. Cornerback Kyle Fuller has a new long-term deal through 2021, but the Bears need more production from the secondary in a division with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins.

I could see how secondary could be worrisome, but if you consider they re-signed corners Prince Amukamara, Bryce Callahan, and Kyle Fuller, and seemingly are happy with their starting safety tandem of Adrian Amos and Eddie Jackson, I wonder if the Bears view the position as a hole.

I still think Monsters coming off the edge is their biggest need, but I also think Aaron Lynch is in for a good bounce back season. I’m also excited to see what rookie Kylie Fitts can do if his injury woes are behind him.

Poll

What is the biggest hole on the Bears roster?

This poll is closed

  • 13%
    Secondary
    (308 votes)
  • 76%
    Edge
    (1780 votes)
  • 10%
    Other
    (237 votes)
2325 votes total Vote Now