Chicago Bears training camp preview: The defensive line

The 2023 NFL season brings renewed hope and expectations for the Chicago Bears, and much of the focus is on a defensive line that has undergone several transformations in the off-season. General manager Ryan Poles made a concerted effort to overhaul the unit that struggled with both getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.

While Poles has done a good job of making the team younger, he still has some veterans who could be leaders. With a healthy mix of veterans and promising rookies, the Bears’ defensive line is poised to become one of the most effective units in the league.

As they inch closer to the start of training camp, let’s delve into the details and examine what to expect from the Chicago Bears defensive front in 2023.

At the heart of the Bears’ defensive line are the defensive tackles, who continue to be the team’s anchor. Justin Jones returns to the three-technique. Andrew Billings was brought in to play the nose tackle.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles made the defensive line a priority in the draft. He selected Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, and Travis Bell to play the interior defensive line.

Jones and Dexter will battle it out for the three-technique. While Jones is the incumbent and that gives him an advantage in the battle, if Dexter shows that he is ready to take on the speed of the NFL he could win the starting job. Jones did not make much of an impact at that position. Dexter was a second-round pick so the Bears would love to have him start as soon as he is able.

We saw last season that this coaching staff is not afraid to give a rookie a shot. Braxton Jones was a fifth-round pick but won the starting job and ended up playing every offensive snap in 2022.

The situation is the same at the nose. Billings will battle Pickens for a starting spot. Bell could provide good depth or he could end up on the practice squad.

Whatever happens, the Bears shored up the interior of the defensive line. If they do their jobs in the regular season, they will be able to shut down the opponents’ running game. Additionally, they will make life easier for the ends to rush the quarterback.

Speaking of the defensive ends, Poles made some adjustments there as well. He brought in DeMarcus Walker to start on one side. He joins Trevis Gipson as a starter. Also, he will be counted on as a leader. He has already been vocal during OTAs and the mandatory minicamp. He brings a lot of contagious energy and will hold his teammates accountable.

Gipson is hoping to bounce back from a down season in 2022. After stepping in for an injured Khalil Mack in 2021 and posting seven sacks, he only had three as a full-time starter in 2022. He feels, however, that he was very close to getting sacks on a number of occasions. He made some adjustments this offseason so he could get to the quarterback quicker. That should lead to an increase in sacks.

Of course, the starters are only as good as their backups, and the Bears have made sure to add depth to their defensive line. They signed Rasheem Green to play in a reserve role. He will be a backup along with Dominique Robinson.

Robinson had an interesting rookie campaign in 2022. He is a converted defensive end who played quarterback and wide receiver. The team considered him a project. He would play a few snaps here and there to ease him in. Injuries and the trade of Robert Quinn gave Robinson an opportunity to see more snaps. He responded by showing that he could hang in there against offensive linemen. With that experience and another offseason under his belt, he could take a big step forward.

Some people feel that Poles did not do enough to bolster the edge rusher spot. They feel that he needs to sign one of the good options still available. Yannick Ngakoue and Justin Houston are two players that have been linked to the Bears.

Of course, Poles could roll the dice and take a chance with the players he currently has. He could be waiting to add a pass rusher in next year’s draft with one of his high picks. If the players could reward Poles with good play, it would be a big win for him and the team.

The Bears’ defensive line’s success will hinge largely on how well they can mesh as a unit and the consistency with which they can perform. Each member will need to understand their role and execute it to the best of their ability for the line to reach its full potential.

The Bears’ defensive line is ready to show that the unit can surprise a lot of people in 2023. With a combination of experience, emerging talent, and depth, they are well-equipped to handle whatever comes their way.

If everything clicks, fans can expect a strong defensive showing that could well be a cornerstone of the Bears’ success in the upcoming season. As the 2023 season looms, Chicago Bears Nation awaits with bated breath, eager to see their defensive line rise to the occasion.