Here’s what ESPN says the Bears did wrong this offseason

It’s been a while since the Chicago Bears had an offseason like 2022. With quarterback Justin Fields entering his second season in the NFL and his first as the Bears’ unquestioned starter, the natural expectation was that general manager Ryan Poles would do whatever he could to strengthen the offense around him. And while Poles has added pieces to the offense in free agency and the NFL Draft, he hasn’t made that headline-grabbing transaction.

According to ESPN, Poles’ failure to bulk up the Bears’ offensive line was his biggest offseason mistake.

“Poles” hands were tied by the cap situation and the fact that the Bears were down first- and fourth-round picks from last year’s Justin Fields trade,” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote. “If there’s any place I would have wanted to see them spend money, though, it would have been on protecting their young quarterback. They made a pair of low-cost offensive line moves in signing Lucas Patrick from the Packers and Dakota Dozier from the Vikings, but Fields projects to play behind one of the worst units in football this season.”

Lucas Patrick isn’t getting enough attention as a significant upgrade

While the Bears didn’t make a big swing on an offensive lineman in free agency, Patrick is a significant upgrade at center. That Poles was able to make such a big improvement along the offensive line without having to break the bank to do so is pretty remarkable. Patrick will make a difference in 2022.

A Bears offensive line that looks like a weakness right now could become a strength. Second-year offensive tackles Teven Jenkins (right tackle) and Larry Borom (left tackle) are talented but unproven. Borom played most of his rookie season at right tackle. Jenkins missed most of his first year with a back injury. Both players were solid when their numbers were called in 2021, but neither is a sure thing. Borom is changing positions, and Jenkins, well, he just has to play.

The biggest problem facing the Bears” offensive line is right guard. There isn’t a clear starter on the roster. One of Chicago’s 2022 NFL Draft picks — who were all added on Day 3 — could emerge as the first-teamer. It’s risky business to bank on a late-round rookie, but it may be the only choice Chicago has.

Now that the calendar has flipped to June, more veterans should hit the free-agent market. That includes offensive linemen who Poles can target at a discount. Perhaps, the Chicago Bears aren’t done adding to their roster. And if there’s any position group that could receive some last-minute reinforcements, it’s the offensive line.