7 questions for 7 positions as the Chicago Bears prepare for OTAs — the next step in the offseason program

The next important step in the Chicago Bears offseason program begins next week with voluntary organized team activities at Halas Hall. It’s another chance for the new front office and coaching staff to implement systems and evaluate a constantly evolving roster.

The Bears signed six tryout players from rookie minicamp over the weekend and have five weeks remaining before mandatory minicamp June 14-16, followed by a break before training camp.

General manager Ryan Poles, coach Matt Eberflus and their staffs will be searching for clues if not answers. Here are seven positions with questions, some of which won’t be resolved until training camp or even the preseason.

Sam Mustipher lined up with the first unit during the voluntary minicamp last month after playing center the previous two seasons. Free-agent addition Lucas Patrick has taken over at center and the Bears would prefer to keep him there.

Dakota Dozier is an option after he started 16 games at guard for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, giving him familiarity with the outside zone scheme. Sixth-round pick Zachary Thomas might compete for the job, but it’s premature to suggest the San Diego State product can go from Day 3 pick to starter in a matter of months.

The Bears tried to pluck Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills as a restricted free agent, and he would have slotted in at right guard. But that move didn’t materialize, and a month and a half later there isn’t a clear starter.

That might be a bigger question than the issue at right guard. Borom was at left tackle during minicamp with Jenkins at right tackle. If the Bears didn’t believe the two second-year pros had legitimate chances to settle in, they probably would have made a move for one of the unsigned veteran options.

“I think they both have a really good chance this year to show what they’re made of,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said Sunday.

But it’s only a projection at this point.

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“They’re working hard,” Poles said when asked about the offensive linemen Friday on the “Mully and Haugh Show” on WSCR-670 AM. “They’re improving. They’re taking coaching, so that is obviously a positive. If you are an O-line guy like I am, you know that we’re not going to be able to tell much about these offensive linemen until we put pads on.

“So I love the work they’re putting in. They’re doing everything right. They’re adapting to the new scheme. They’re changing their bodies. Everything that they’re supposed to. But listen, we all know up front when the pads come on, that’s when we really see what’s going on.”

Despite the sentiment some hold that the Bears’ offseason moves to this point — which haven’t included any eye-catching moves on offense — hint at a lack of belief in the second-year quarterback, that’s simply not the case.

The Bears believe Fields can take a big step forward in the new scheme and they’re working on refining his mechanics with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko while giving him the blueprint for the offense. Fields should have the basics down by training camp.

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“There’s a lot,” Getsy said when asked what he’d like to see from Fields between now and then. “We’re working though this thing step by step. In order to be able to master our craft, we have to master each step.

“We’re staying on track. I think he’s — if anything — ahead of pace and I’m real excited to see by the end of this thing if we’re just going to keep knocking out these steps.”

This question won’t be answered until the regular season, but the more work Fields gets with Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown and rookie Velus Jones, the better their timing will be when camp opens. They’ve been running routes on air and will be able to go against defensive players when OTAs start.

It doesn’t sound like the team is interested in bringing in one of the unsigned name wide receivers. That puts pressure on Pringle and, to a lesser degree, St. Brown to emerge as consistent contributors with elevated roles in the new offense.

Eberflus has said he wants to play linemen in waves to keep them fresh and avoid the high snap counts you see on a lot of teams. Only two of his Indianapolis Colts defensive linemen played more than 60% of the defensive snaps last season: tackle DeForest Buckner (77.4%) and end Al-Quadin Muhammad (73.4%).

Muhammad, a free-agent signing, figures to be a main cog for the Bears and Robert Quinn should start opposite him. Behind them, Trevis Gipson and rookie Dominique Robinson could help in pass-rushing situations.

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Inside, the Bears have Angelo Blackson, Justin Jones, Mario Edwards Jr. and Khyiris Tonga. Linemen can get thinned out quickly, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears are proactive looking for another player to add to the mix.

The Bears haven’t been able to answer this question, and it’s possible Eberflus and his staff won’t make a decision until training camp.

Smith’s athletic ability seems to make him an ideal fit for the weak-side linebacker position, where Darius Leonard has starred in Indianapolis. It’s also the spot where Lance Briggs was a perennial Pro Bowl selection for the Bears under Lovie Smith. But don’t discount the significance of the middle linebacker position Brian Urlacher played.

Wherever the Bears use Smith, he should be the most impactful player on the defense. Seeing how he reads and reacts during OTAs and minicamp should help influence the decision — or at least give the coaches an idea of where they want him to begin training camp.

The former Raven has been a feisty, effective defender when he’s on the field, but injuries marred his time in Baltimore and the coaching staff had to manage his practice time last season.

Duke Shelley is behind him on the depth chart, and he has been underwhelming when he has had an opportunity. It’s a difficult position to play, and considering Young’s durability history, it’s worth keeping an eye on potential slot cornerbacks.