The Chicago Bears are hoping to build on a good 2023 season finale as they enter a busy and significant offseason. As they begin their third year together, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have big hopes.

The Bears are turning their attention to the 2024 NFL draft after a hectic free agency that saw them recruit several high-profile players, such as tight end Gerald Everett, safety Kevin Byard, running back D’Andre Swift, and wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Despite having just four draft picks total, Chicago has two top-10 picks—including No. 1 overall—and all of them come in the first four rounds.

At Bears Wire, we’ll break down Chicago’s status heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, position by position. Next is linebacker, which was redesigned during the offseason and seems to be decided upon going into the draft.

The Bears’ two biggest free agent signings from the previous summer were Edmunds and Edwards, who contributed to elevating the defense to a top-five group.

As the middle linebacker for the Bears, Edwards was signed to a four-year contract worth $72 million. Edwards performed as expected, recording 113 tackles (five for a loss), one forced fumble, and four interceptions. Since Brian Urlacher, he is the first linebacker for the Bears to intercept at least four passes in a season.

Regarding Edwards, he outperformed expectations following his $19.5 million, three-year contract signing. With 155 tackles (eight for a loss), 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three interceptions, the former Philadelphia Eagle was the team leader. He and Edmunds became closer as the season went on, and they ought to be a strong team the following year.

After an unexpected debut season, Sanborn, the other starting linebacker, maintained his excellent play. Sanborn participated in all 17 games and recorded one sack, one interception, and 65 tackles, including seven for a loss. Sewell and Baskerville, who had limited action as rookies in 2023, are in front of him. Ogbongbemiga was also signed by the Bears to a one-year contract to play on special teams.

In terms of linebackers, Chicago didn’t lose much this offseason. Following his free agency signing during the previous summer, Cole was their most notable departure.

He participated in 16 games, mostly on special teams, but only managed four tackles overall. After being brought up from the practice squad, Gates also had little playing time. He now plays for the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL.

There aren’t many positions on the Bears as established as the linebackers, with the exception of cornerback. After having strong seasons, all three of the starters are back, and with players like Sewell and Ogbongbemiga in their lineup, they have important depth. This is a good group that doesn’t require much more assistance than it already receives.

There’s no reason the Bears should utilize any of their four draft selections, which are limited to linebackers, on a linebacker. Other depth components should be available to them as undrafted free agents, much as Baskerville did in 2023.

In comparison to previous years, this year’s linebacker class is generally weaker. It hasn’t happened this century that any of the best inside linebackers are predicted to be chosen in the first round of the draft.

Wilson, however, is the clear favorite at the position following a stellar career at NC State, where he finished with 138 tackles in his final campaign.

Colson from Michigan and Cooper from Texas A&M, who both had strong seasons, are behind him. Colson played a crucial role in the Wolverines’ defense throughout their drive for a national championship, and Cooper finished with eight sacks for the Aggies.