There’s a lot of talk about the Bears going with either a defensive lineman like Jonathan Allen or possibly a safety like Jamal Adams.
G.M. Ryan Pace did a good job in free agency by adding three key defensive backs and a hopeful franchise quarterback. Now he needs to protect that quarterback (Mike Glennon) and surround him with some skilled weapons.
Key additions
- CB Prince Amukamara
- CB Marcus Cooper
- QB Mike Glennon
- QB Mark Sanchez
- SS Quintin Demps
- TE Dion Sims
- WR Markus Wheaton
- WR Kendall Wright
Key subtractions
- CB Tracy Porter
- DE Cornelius Washington
- OL Ted Larsen
- QB Matt Barkley
- QB Jay Cutler
- QB Brian Hoyer
- TE Logan Paulsen
- WR Alshon Jeffrey
Priority needs (Offense)
OT…Former seventh-round pick left tackle Charles Leno will be given one last chance to stick before his rookie deal is over and Bobbie Massie is just an average right tackle at best. Guard Kyle Long broke his ankle last November to end his season and should remain inside when he returns. That’s why Pace should find a player to compete with Leno in camp.
TE…Zach Miller missed the final six games of last season with a foot injury, turns 33 this season and will be a free agent after the upcoming season ends. Dion Sims was added in free agency but that can’t be enough talent for an upgrade at this position and not with the talent that’s available in this class.
WR…With Alshon Jeffrey in Philadelphia the Bears need to find a top receiver. They won’t be taking one with their first pick, but they’ll be sure to take one as early as 36. Curtis Samuel could remind John Fox of Steve Smith Jr. and the Bears could use a player like that for his receiving and returning skills as well.
Priority needs (Defense)
DE…Mitch Unrein needs to be replaced. The major question is whether Pace and Fox believe last year’s third-round choice Jonathan Bullard has what it takes to take on a bigger more permanent role.
LB…Thanks to injuries (Lamarr Houston, Pernell McPhee, Danny Trevathan), youth (Leonard Floyd) and a suspension (Jerrell Freeman), there are far too many unknowns at this position to ignore.
CB…We were right in our Bears free agency report about adding two potential starters here, but Pace needs to see if he can find a player capable of becoming a top contributor for many years to come.
Final analysis
There’s a lot of talk about the Bears going with either a defensive lineman like Jonathan Allen or possibly a safety like Jamal Adams. No one would argue if they added a premier player like, but the fact is the Bears aren’t necessarily in dire need at either position. That being said, since the Bears need to add a future top cover corner more than they need a lineman or a safety, this is where Marshon Lattimore could eventually end up.
Top first-round options
- CB Marshon Lattimore
- DL Jonathan Allen
- DL Solomon Thomas
- SS Jamal Adams
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