The Chicago Bears offensive line in 2021 was simply not good.

And it hasn't gotten much better in 2022.

Now, that doesn't mean it won't get better in 2022. At the same time, it's logical if there are doubts that things will actually get better. That's mostly because the majority of 2021's group is back in 2022. And, the players signed via free agency have mostly been depth players throughout their careers.

It's not all bleak, however. The trio of Cody Whitehair, Teven Jenkins, and Lucas Patrick have the potential to form a solid core, but that's yet to happen. Until then, the Bears have a lot to figure out.

But the process may not be tough as it appears on the surface. And that's because the Bears have two guys like Ryan Poles and Chris Morgan -who are both ex-offensive linemen- leading the way. That gives Chicago a leg up when it comes to solving their offensive line issues.

Poles has been vocal about how his playing days help in regard to scouting and he was part of a Chiefs scouting department/front office that drafted players such as Rodney Hudson, Eric Fisher, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Mitch Morse, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith.

Poles knows what to look for in offensive linemen and more importantly, he knows what traits and what type of mindset is needed for them to be successful.

The Bears will likely have two interior offensive line positions set come September, but it will be up to Poles, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, and offensive line coach Chris Morgan to figure out where Whitehair and Patrick exactly fit in. Dakota Dozier has experience playing guard, but was a practice squad player in 2021 after playing over 1,000 snaps in 2020. Fortunately, Poles and Morgan were offensive lineman at the Power 5 level in college. That will only help in their assessments.

The draft can obviously help whichever interior position is left open, but there are still questions at both tackle positions. Mainly, who will play which side.

Will it be Jenkins on the left and Larry Borom on the right? Or will it be the opposite? Or, will a rookie come in, compete, and subsequently take one of the starting jobs?

Based off what Poles has said publicly, he has a plan. Which will go a long way in helping the Bears discover the answer to their problem.

"We'll move them around and we'll let them compete and see what's the best fit," Poles told the media the recent league meetings. "I know Teven was right in college. Larry was left in college. So there's a comfort level there. But Teven played some left last year coming off his whole medical situation, so we're going to play with that and we'll see where the best fit is."

The question surrounding Jenkins ever since he came out of college is whether he'll play on the left or right side of the line. That question still exists in 2022 due to injuries limiting his play in 2021. Figuring that out should be Poles No. 1 priority on the offensive line. He can then fill in the gaps from there.

And Poles knows that even with Jenkins and Borom, he's going to have keep filling gaps.

Fortunately, he fully aware of that.

"We're always looking to add talent as well," said Poles. "So, if we add another tackle, I want to see all of those guys compete."

An improved offensive line would be a major boost to the Bears offense in 2022. More importantly, Justin Fields won't get hit as much and the Bears will also receive the opportunity for a better evaluation in return.

Chicago is in good hands with Poles when it comes to figuring this out. He just needs the time to do so.

Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports