Bears DL ranked near bottom of the league

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2024 season with sizable question marks across their defensive line. Head coach Matt Eberflus saw his unit record a 31st-ranked 30 sacks throughout the 2023 campaign. New defensive coordinator Eric Washington is tasked with improving that metric.

Montez Sweat is the star of the group. General manager Ryan Poles unfortunately didn’t do much to upgrade his running mates. The likes of DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker, and Dominique Robinson will jockey for play-time opposite him. The interior group will be spearheaded by Andrew Billings, and a pair of sophomores in Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 defensive line groupings in the league. Taking all the unknowns into account, the Bears did not fare particularly well. They placed 27th, falling just outside of a bottom-five finish.

DEFENSIVE LINE RANKINGS https://t.co/lzlqI6LNtj

— PFF (@PFF) June 25, 2024

“Chicago’s defensive line improved massively with the addition of Montez Sweat, who provided a real and consistent source of pressure after the team traded for him at the deadline,” Sam Monson wrote. “Sweat tallied 64 quarterback pressures last season, but the Bears” defensive line will be determined by the growth in Year 2 of defensive tackles Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens. Dexter flashed playmaking ability as a rookie, but the Bears need more from him in 2024.”

It’s understandable why mainstream media outlets like PFF aren’t showing the Bears” defensive line much respect. They’ve ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks in consecutive seasons. Sweat is the only household name that commands attention. Ascending talents like Dexter and Pickens are crucial to the Bears’ defensive line unlocking new levels.