2014 Chicago Bears Offseason Preview

Notable Free Agents

Receiver - Devin Hester

Guard - Roberto Garza

Quarterback - Josh McCown

Defensive Line - Henry Melton

2014 Draft Picks 

Round 1 Pick 14

Round 2 Pick 51

Round 3 Pick 82

Round 4 Pick 113

Round 5 Pick 144

Round 6 Pick 167

Round 6 Pick 175

Draft Prospects: Safety Ha Ha Clinton Dix round 1, Safety Vinnie Sunseri round 6, Defensive End Michael Sam round 3 or 4, Inside Backer Yawin Smallwood round 2, Cornerback Deion Belue round 4 or 5,

Biggest Offseason Needs

Cornerback: Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings aren’t getting any younger, fortunately for the Bears there’s a lot of good talent at Cornerback in the draft.  If they do decide to pursue a veteran in free agency there’s a couple top guys available as well.  

Defensive Line: Julius Peppers had the most sacks on the team last year with seven.  If the Bears want to be a good team then need to be able to put mad pressure on the quarterbacks in their division.  If Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford have all day to throw then that’s the game gents.  They need more pass rushers so look for them to scoop up as many as they can in the draft.  

Safety: I don’t think safety is a huge need but I would like to see them improve on the depth at that position.  The position is deep in this years draft so I would love to see them pick up some good quality guys to push the starters and contribute on spot time and special teams.  

One Player CHicago Should Target (In Free Agency)

Brian Orakpo is a freak athlete and one legit pass rusher something the Bears are missing.  Orakpo also would be able to play defensive end and outside backer.  A lot of people think that the Redskins won’t be able to give him what he’s asking for especially with all the holes they still have in their team.  Orakpo is a good young talent and if the Bears are able to sign him you can see a jump in Peppers numbers as well.  

One Player Chicago Must Retain

Charles Tillman is a player that should be brought back as long as he is still capable of playing at the professional level.  Just last year he was thought to be one of the top five corners in the league.  The Bears are in the position to grab some young talent in the draft and Tillman is the perfect pro.  He will be a great role model and mentor to the young guys and at the same time give the team a couple more years of production.

Players In Need Of Extensions

Stephen Paea a young defensive tackle that has been showing slight signs of progression throughout the years.  Paea won’t be going to any Pro Bowls or taking over games single handedly but he’s a young guy that has been getting better at a position where they need help.  He’ll also come cheap since he hasn’t really done much in terms of numbers. 

Josh McCown proved his worth as a back up this year.  He lead the team to a winning record while starter Jay Cutler was out for five games.  McCown is a free agent but he’s definitely earned a spot on the squad for at least another year.  

Overall Offseason Outlook

The Bears are a team thats right there in terms of competing for a division championship and making a push in the playoffs.  They have the franchise quarterback in Jay Cutler who gives the team a chance to win as long as he has time and targets.  They have the versatile running back in Matt Forte aka Mr. Doitall.  He’s great as a receiver and a top 5 back between the tackles.  Now if only they had two good receivers with size and athleticism on the outside….CHECK! Brandon Marshall is coming off a 100 catch season and he’s making it known that he is a top receiver in this league. There’s also a Robin to his Batman in the form of Alshon Jeffery and young receiver that burst on to the NFL scene with several big games this year.  His big play ability is off the charts.  

I never thought I would ever...EVER say this but the problem in Chicago is the defense.  They get absolutely no pressure on opposing quarterbacks and expect aging stars like Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs to carry the unit.  If they want to be competitive in the division they’ll need young guys like Jonathan Bostic to build on last year and become every week starters for the team.  I expect Chicago to hit free agency hard and focus on defense in the draft.