Chicago Bears

Overview

With new franchise quarterback Jay Cutler in tow the Bears were supposed to challenge for the NFC North crown this season.  Some even had them as Super Bowl contenders.  After a disappointing 7-9 season the Bears look to re-group and re-load this off season which will be tough to do via the draft as the team does not pick until the third round after dealing their first two picks for Cutler and Gaines Adams.

Assets

Despite throwing a league high 26 interceptions Cutler did throw for 27 scores and completed 60% of his passes.  Some of Cutler’s struggles are his fault and some of them are due to having little talent around him to throw the ball to.

After a stellar rookie season running back Matt Forte struggled to ever find his groove this season seeing all of his numbers drop across the board.  He has also undergone minor knee surgery since the season ended.

Tight end Greg Olsen has the talent to be an elite player at his position.  The lack of overall receiving talent on Chicago means opposing defenses tend to key on Olsen in the passing game.

Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and Devin Aromashadu showed flashes this season but neither has the look or feel of being a lead receiver.

Defensively the Bears were forced to play a lot of inexperienced players due to injury.  They are still a solid defense, but, like the Ravens it is starting to show some cracks in the foundation.

Brian Ulracher is still the lynch pin out there but he missed all but a few minutes of the season opener due to a wrist injury this past season.

Defensive Tackle Tommie Harris struggled much of the season as he worked his way back from off season surgery.

Lance Briggs is still a quality OLB and led the team in tackles.

Safety Danieal Manning is strong in run support but his play in coverage leaves something to be desired.

Liabilities/Needs

Getting weapons for Cutler is the top priority this spring and it will be tough to do without a first or second round pick.

The offensive line is solid but has some aging pieces the team needs to consider replacing.

Cornerback Zack Bowman had 6 of the teams 13 interceptions this season and was the only player on the team with double figures in pass breakups.  The Bears need some play makers in the secondary.

The run defense was lacking this season but should be much improved with a healthy Urlacher and Harris back anchoring the middle of the defense.

The pass rush was adequate but could use a shot in the arm.

Bottom Line

Without a first or second round pick it is hard to see the Bears landing any real impact players in the draft.  Without those picks it will be tough to deal for a receiver like Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall who are rumored to be on the block this spring.

Cal’s Syd’Quan Thompson, Rutgers’ Devin McCourty, or IUP’s Akwasi Owusu-Ansah could be possible targets to upgrade the secondary for the Bears.

Possible targets at receiver include Syracuse’s Mike Williams or Kansas’ Dezmon Briscoe, although there is speculation that Briscoe could be one of those guys who surprises at the combine.